Northern District of New York

U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, Broome County Drug Task Force to Announce Major Methamphetamine Arrest

WHAT: State and Federal law enforcement partners will hold a press conference announcing the arrest of three individuals for drug distribution in the Southern Tier

WHEN: Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM (10:30 AM Media Arrival)

WHERE: Broome County District Attorney’s Office, 45 Hawley Street, Fourth Floor Grand Jury Room, Binghamton, New York 13902

WHO:

First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig T. Tremaroli

Broome County District Attorney F. Paul Battisti

Broome County Sheriff Frederick J. Akshar II

Binghamton Police Chief John C. Ryan

New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Lieutenant Nate McCarthy

Johnson City Police Chief Brent Dodge

Endicott Police Chief Patrick Garey

Vestal Police Chief Vince Stavola

DETAILS:

RSVP to USAO Public Affairs: [email protected]

Four defendants have now pled guilty in connection with a multi-jurisdictional child exploitation conspiracy that included the trafficking of child pornography produced during the conspiracy. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone, and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.

The defendants involved in the case are:

            Devin LaValley, age 38, of Burlington, New York;

            Melissa McDougal, age 30, of Pulaski, New York;

            Grace Balthazor, age 34, of Elmira, New York; and

            Roxanne Clark, age 45, of Bristol, Vermont.

As part of their guilty pleas, the defendants admitted to their respective involvement in a years-long child exploitation conspiracy and the trafficking of child pornography produced during the conspiracy. LaValley admitted that, years ago, he began intimate relationships with both Balthazor and McDougal, both of whom had access to children. LaValley admitted to then conspiring with both women to get close to the children in their care for the purpose of sexually abusing the children and creating photos and videos depicting that abuse. McDougal and Balthazor also admitted to conspiring with LaValley to abuse the children for the purpose of creating child pornography. LaValley also admitted that after he created the child pornography with McDougal and Balthazor’s assistance, he then distributed the child sexual abuse material to Clark, another woman with whom LaValley had an intimate relationship. For her part, Clark admitted to receiving the child pornography LaValley, McDougal, and Balthazor had produced as part of online communications with LaValley in which she and LaValley discussed their mutual interest in sexually abusing children.

At sentencing, LaValley, McDougal, and Balthazor face a mandatory minimum term of 15 years in federal prison and maximum sentence of 30 years for the conspiracy charge. The receipt and distribution charges to which Clark and LaValley have pled guilty carry a mandatory minimum term of five years in federal prison and maximum terms of 20 years. Each charge carries a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “I commend HSI and the New York State Police for the incredible investigative work that led to these four convictions. I also want to acknowledge the urgency with which HSI and State Police identified and arrested the various defendants, several of whom lived in other districts. The result of their diligent work was the identification and protection of multiple children who likely would have continued to be victimized by the defendants had it not been for the dedicated agents and investigators involved. My office remains steadfast in its commitment to work closely with our federal, state, and local partners to do whatever we can to protect our communities from the threat posed by individuals, like the defendants here, who seek to harm the most vulnerable among us.”

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone said, “Those who exploit children and trade in images of their abuse inflict profound and lasting harm on victims, families, and entire communities. These guilty pleas hold all four defendants accountable for their roles in a calculated, years-long conspiracy that preyed on vulnerable children and perpetuated their victimization through the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material. HSI Syracuse and our law enforcement partners will pursue every available lead to identify predators, disrupt child-exploitation networks and safeguard children in our communities.”

NYSP Superintendent James stated, “Child predators will go through extreme lengths to exploit children and conduct the most reprehensible of acts. As we fight for the victims and all those affected, we hope the justice brought forth provides a sense of peace that these individuals will never commit a crime like this again. I thank our State Police members, the United States Attorney’s Office, and the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations for their consistent, proactive work on this case.”

HSI and NYSP investigated the case with the assistance of the Office of the Vermont Attorney General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle as a part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

Thomas Pennington, age 57, of Syracuse, New York, appeared in federal court October 2, 2026, on charges of receiving child pornography. Pennington was detained pending further proceedings.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Anthony Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

The complaint filed against Pennington alleges that on or about October 1, 2026, Pennington received child pornography on multiple electronic devices.  Pennington admitted to using the internet to find and download child pornography files. 

First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone said, “When Pennington searched the internet, as alleged, for child pornography and received those files on his devices, he may have thought his victimization of the children depicted would go undetected.  But thanks to our partners at HSI, Pennington will face the court and be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for his heinous actions.”

“Thomas Pennington's alleged conduct represents deeply disturbing exploitation that perpetuates the abuse of children and compounds the lasting trauma endured by victims," said HSI Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone. "One exploited child is one too many, and every instance demands a determined response. HSI Syracuse remains steadfast in working alongside our law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable, combat child exploitation, and protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.”

The receipt charge filed against Pennington carries a mandatory minimum term of 5 years in prison and a statutory maximum prison term of 20 years. The charge also carries a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. Pennington will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. The charges presented are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case was investigated by HSI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney A.J. Vickey is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

Sarah Blood, 44, of Richmondville, New York, was sentenced on September 29, 2026 by United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci to 5 years’ probation, including 8 months’ home detention, for stealing over $200,000 from the State Agricultural and Rural Leaders, Inc. (SARL) between 2020 and 2023.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

Blood served as the executive director of SARL from August 2019 to October 2023.  SARL is a not-for-profit organization managed by state and local legislators for the purpose of promoting cooperation and education among agricultural and rural communities.  SARL received funding from the United States Food and Drug Administration.  The defendant was responsible for managing SARL’s finances and had access to SARL’s checking account.  

Between July 2020 and August 2023, Blood stole $203,941.54 from SARL by transferring money from SARL’s bank account to herself or by using SARL’s debit card on unauthorized transactions.  Blood used SARL funds to book a luxury cruise, pay for flights and hotels, and make personal purchases at Amazon and Walmart.  Because of Blood’s theft, SARL had to cancel its 2024 annual conference and engage in emergency fundraising.

Blood previously pled guilty to embezzling funds from SARL in April 2026.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “This case has been under investigation by this Office for three years, and we are glad it has been brought to a successful conclusion.  Sarah Blood was in a position of trust at an organization that received federal funds.  She abused that trust and will now have to repay the money stolen in full.”  

“Sarah Blood was entrusted to run State Agricultural and Rural Leaders, Inc. (SARL),” said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albany Field Office. “Instead, she used that position to blatantly steal over $200,000 – even going so far as to book vacations on the organization’s debit card. The FBI will not turn a blind eye to this kind of fraud. We will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to ensure those committing fraud are held accountable for their actions.”

In addition to serving a term of home detention and being placed on probation, Blood is required to make restitution to SARL in the amount of $203,941.54.

The FBI investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Paulbeck and Nicholas Walter prosecuted the case.

James Winston III, age 28, of Utica, New York, was sentenced yesterday to 60 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography announced First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

As part of his guilty plea in the case, Winston previously admitted that in March of 2025, several files of child pornography were uploaded to a cloud storage account under his control. Thereafter, on December 10, 2025, Winston was found in possession of two cell phones on which he possessed additional child pornography files including some that depicted the sexual abuse of children as young as three years old.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Any person disturbed enough to seek out and accumulate images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children deserves years of incarceration. This defendant’s conduct has landed him right where he belongs, in a prison cell.”

“Mr. Winston was in possession of multiple devices containing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM )–some depicting infant victims,” said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albany Field Office. “Those depraved actions have just sent him to federal prison for five years. Possessing CSAM perpetuates the abuse of the victims, and the FBI will continue to dedicate every resource needed to investigate and hold these predators accountable for harming our children.”

In addition to the term of imprisonment imposed, U.S. District Judge, Anthony J. Brindisi, also imposed a 10-year term of supervision which will begin after Winston is released from prison at which time Winston will also be required to register as a sex offender.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

Jonathan MacDonald, 33, of Menands, New York, was sentenced on October 2, 2026 by United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci to 9 years’ imprisonment, followed by 15 years’ supervised release, for child pornography offenses.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

MacDonald was charged by indictment in December 2025 with sexually exploiting children, receiving child pornography, and possessing child pornography.  In May 2026, MacDonald pled guilty to the counts of receipt and possession of child pornography.  MacDonald also admitted that in February 2025 he had filmed himself masturbating on a video call with two minor girls who appeared to be from Thailand, and with whom he had connected using the random video-calling app Omegle.  

MacDonald was arrested after he dropped a flash drive of child pornography in the bathroom at his work and law enforcement identified him as the owner.  

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “MacDonald’s abuse of a random video-chatting app was dangerous.  My office will seek to protect child victims everywhere, even on the other side of the world.  MacDonald had previously been investigated for potential child pornography offenses, and we are glad that he has now been successfully prosecuted.”  

“The fact that Mr. MacDonald brought a flash drive containing child pornography to his workplace illustrates how deeply disturbed his behavior was,” said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albany Field Office. “This sentence will keep him locked up for almost a decade without access to any other children he can harm through his depraved online activity. The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is steadfast in our mission to aggressively investigate dangerous predators who are seeking to exploit our children and ensure they are sent to prison for their appalling actions.”

In addition to serving a term of prison and supervised release, MacDonald is required to pay a total of $27,000 in restitution to the nine identified victims of his offense.

The FBI investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Walter prosecuted the case.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

Dylan Daniell, age 33, of La Fargeville, NY, was arraigned today October 9, 2026, at the federal courthouse in Syracuse, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Mitchell J. Katz, after being charged by criminal complaint with threatening a federal law enforcement officer. He was ordered held in custody pending a detention hearing, which is scheduled for October 15, 2026. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement.

The complaint filed against Daniell alleges that in May 2026, a nonprofit Jewish charity organization received several phone calls in which the male caller made inflammatory comments directed at the Jewish community. For example, the caller said, “I would like to blow up Israel and kill all the Jews,” and “I would like to put all the Jews in a gas chamber and kill them.” The FBI identified Daniell as the likely user of the phone number that was used to make the calls to the charity organization. On October 7, 2026, two FBI agents attempted to interview Daniell at his residence in LaFargeville, NY, regarding those phone calls. After the FBI agents introduced themselves and identified themselves as FBI agents, the complaint alleges that Daniell threatened the agents, saying, among other things, “only good cop is a dead cop” and “get the f--- out of here before I pull something out on you.” Approximately 4 hours later, one of the agents received a text message from Daniell’s phone number, which read in part “You ever come to my house again you will not like it. That’s not a threat that’s a promise . . . .”

First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “Let me be absolutely clear: threatening law enforcement officers is not a joke, it is not something that we will brush aside, and it will not be tolerated. Those, like the defendant, as alleged, who believe that they can threaten the men and women who enforce federal law must understand that their actions carry serious consequences. My office will aggressively prosecute these cases and hold offenders accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

“As alleged in the criminal complaint, Mr. Daniell made some disturbing threats to a Jewish charity. When FBI agents went to question him about the allegations, he responded by threatening their lives,” said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albany Field Office. “As detailed in the complaint, he followed-up his verbal threats with a text massage saying, ‘…that’s not a threat, that’s a promise.’ Now, he is in custody and the only thing promised for Mr. Daniell is swift justice and potential jail time. The FBI’s response to this incident should send a clear message that we will not tolerate threats of violence toward anyone, especially law enforcement officials who put their lives on the line every day to ensure the safety of our communities. Simply put: if you threaten an FBI agent, be prepared to face some serious consequences.” 

The charge filed against Daniell carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

FBI is investigating the case, with assistance from New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting the case.

Kymere Thomas, 28, of Albany, New York, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Anthony Brindisi on October 5, 2026, to distributing crack cocaine.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

Between March and August 2025, Thomas sold over 50 grams of cocaine, and over 580 grams of crack (cocaine base), in eight separate transactions.  In one of these transactions alone Thomas sold 292 grams of crack, for which he was paid over $11,000.  When officers searched his residence, they found another 650 grams of cocaine and 15 grams of crack.  Thomas was arrested in September 2025 and remained on pre-trial release until his guilty plea, when he was remanded to custody.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “We will aggressively work to dismantle the drug-trafficking networks that threaten the safety of our communities. Our work is far from over, and this guilty plea shows those who choose to spread dangerous narcotics that we are coming for you.  I am grateful to our law enforcement partners for arresting him and that he is finally off our streets.”  

“By his own admission, Mr. Thomas was responsible for trafficking an enormous amount of cocaine into our communities,” said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albany Field Office. “FBI Albany’s Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) responded with the full weight of its federal, state, and local partnerships, and now Mr. Thomas is heading to federal prison for a least a decade. The FBI is laser-focused on investigating and holding accountable any criminal looking to endanger our communities through the sale of illegal drugs.”

Thomas faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, followed by a minimum term of 5 years’ supervised release.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.  Thomas’s sentencing has been scheduled for January 27, 2027.

The FBI investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Walter prosecuted the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, ATF, IRS Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Emergency Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the DEA, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.

On September 30, 2026, the counties of Ulster and Clinton received over $1 million in federal grants as part of the Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants designed to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system announced First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, and Clinton County Sheriff David Favro.

The Byrne Discretionary Grants Program provides funding for specific community projects designated for funding in the Department of Justice Appropriations Acts. Byrne Discretionary aims to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and assist victims of crime. Clinton County will be utilizing the $500,000 granted to them to purchase a properly equipped and mission specific vessel to respond to emergencies and patrol the international border of New York and Vermont with Canada on Lake Champlain. 

Ulster County received $794,000 for the Sheriff’s policing equipment and technology upgrades project. The money will modernize emergency communications, investigations, corrections, crisis response and field operations across the predominantly rural county. The Sheriff’s Office can now procure and implement next-generation 911 and phone system capabilities, secure a crisis intervention and overdose data platform, mobile device forensic technology, a handheld Raman-based drug identification device, camera and automated license please reader infrastructure, and AI-supported report drafting. This will result in safer drug identification, stronger crisis follow up, better correctional awareness and more coordinated countywide public safety operations.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone stated, “We are proud to announce the federal grants awarded to Ulster County and Clinton County. While these counties are on the exact opposite sides of the Northern District of New York, working with state and local law enforcement is essential to keeping our entire district safe. Having Lake Champlain adequately patrolled is essential to protecting the Canadian border, which is considered the most serious threat to national security of any border today in the United States of America. Ulster County sits in the heart of the Hudson Valley with a significant portion covering Interstate-87, a known drug trafficking route. My office is proud to collaborate with Sheriff Figueroa to keep all residents of the Hudson Valley safe.”

Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa stated, “The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office is thankful to our partners in federal law enforcement for this funding. Teamwork is essential in achieving the Byrne Discretionary Grants goal of improving the criminal justice system. I look forward to future collaborations with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York. The historical prosecutions between the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (U.R.G.E.N.T.) and the federal government have made Ulster County a safer place, and the new funding will ensure the safety for my community going forward.”

Clinton County Sheriff David Favro stated, “Keeping the beautiful waters of Lake Champlain safe for our residents and guests is a critical mission of the Sheriff’s office. Receiving this grant for $500,000.00 will allow the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office to purchase an appropriately equipped marine vessel to respond to a variety of emergencies on Lake Champlain in addition to patrolling the international open waters that border Canada and Vermont.”

On August 31, 2026, Michael Conner, age 58, formerly of Lake George, New York, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino to 10 years’ imprisonment to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release. The sentence was for Conner’s conviction by a jury on 22 counts of wire fraud and 2 counts of tax fraud in April 2025. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, IRS-CI New York, and Anthony Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

Conner was a self-styled inventor of household goods who owned three patents. Between 2008 and 2023, Conner obtained money from investors under false pretenses. Conner claimed that he needed loans from investors to sell his patents or close on a business deal. In reality, Conner took the money from his victims and spent it on himself, including dinners at fine restaurants, vintage wines, and liaisons with prostitutes.

IRS-CI and HSI investigated Conner and the United States Attorney’s Office charged him in 2024 with 24 counts of wire fraud and 4 counts of tax fraud.  Following an 8-day trial in April 2025, the defendant was convicted of 22 counts of wire fraud and 2 counts of tax fraud. The trial lasted an extra day because, as Judge D’Agostino noted at his sentencing, Conner faked a suicide attempt before closing arguments to try to obtain a mistrial. Conner preyed on multiple victims, including one he knew was dying. Even following his conviction, Conner caused an email to be sent to victims asking them to support his release from prison so he could go to a fake meeting supposedly to market his products.

In addition to imposing a term of imprisonment followed by supervised release, Judge D’Agostino ordered Conner to pay $1,235,346.12 in restitution. Judge D’Agostino stated that the true amount that Conner had stolen was far more.

Conner’s conviction follows numerous prior convictions, including a sex offense involving a 15-year-old girl when he was 35.  

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “Michael Conner is a vicious fraudster. He stole millions from vulnerable people and believed he could get away with it. At trial, he lied on the stand, and he kept lying afterwards. Even in his allocution at sentencing, he blamed a victim for signing a bad contract with him, and he was so brazen that he tried to allocute a second time — except the judge appropriately refused to hear him. We have no doubt that he will file a meritless appeal, which will be as unsuccessful as all his attempts to escape responsibility so far. It is unlikely he will ever compensate his victims, but at least in prison he can no longer harm them. I am grateful to IRS Investigations for bringing this case to my office and for their steadfast dedication and partnership with my office”

"Michael Conner’s conviction and sentence serve as a clear testament to the unwavering dedication of IRS Criminal Investigation to safeguard the public’s financial interests. When individuals exploit investors or attempt to dodge their tax obligations, they face significant consequences. Our special agents worked diligently to uncover the facts and ensure that justice was delivered for Conner’s victims. We’ll remain steadfast in our mission to investigate financial crimes and uphold the integrity of our tax system,” said Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, IRS-CI New York.

IRS-CI investigated the case with the assistance of HSI. Former Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Barnett and Mikayla Espinosa secured the defendant’s conviction at trial. Current Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Walter also prosecuted the case.

Kevin Landry, age 29, of Stillwater, New York, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for receiving child pornography.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Anthony Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Landry admitted that in September 2024, he used a messaging application to receive child sexual abuse material (CSAM).  In 2020, Landry pled guilty in Tennessee state court to solicitation of a minor to commit aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor after obtaining a nude photo of a female child through Snapchat and then threatening to distribute that photo to others if the child would not send more nude photos.  He was sentenced to an order of deferral and judicial diversion for that offense.     

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone said: “After receiving a proverbial slap on the wrist from state authorities, Kevin Landry continued to prey on innocent children.  As this federal sentence demonstrates, this office, alongside HSI and all our law enforcement partners, will continue to exercise the full weight of federal law to protect children and impose the harshest consequences on Internet pedophiles like Landry.” 

“Kevin Landry’s sentence reflects the severe consequences awaiting those who exploit children and traffic in child sexual abuse material,” said HSI Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone. “His conduct was not a lapse in judgment, it was a calculated pattern of predatory behavior targeting vulnerable victims. Child exploitation investigations are among the most disturbing and consequential matters HSI confronts, and we will continue to bring every available resource to bear against those who sexually exploit children and perpetuate their abuse.”

In addition to the term of imprisonment, United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered that Landry serve a 15-year term of supervised release which will begin after he is released from prison. Landry was also ordered to pay $21,000 in restitution to the victims of his offense.

This case was investigated by HSI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

Tyler C. Windoloski, age 32, of Massena, New York, appeared in federal court last month on a charge of possessing child pornography. Windoloski appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Gary L. Favro and was detained pending a trial.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Anthony Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.

The complaint filed against Windoloski alleges that he possessed numerous images and videos of child pornography on a cellphone, including material depicting the sexual abuse of children as young as three years old. The cellphone was discovered on August 25, 2026, in connection with searches of his home and person. Windoloski is a registered sex offender based on a 2018 New York state conviction for a child pornography-related offense. 

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “Despite being prosecuted by the state for similar conduct in 2018 involving child pornography, this defendant, as alleged, has demonstrated once again, that he is a serious danger to our community and especially to our children.  Now that he is in federal court, as a registered sex offender, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. We will not stop our efforts to investigate and prosecute sex offenders when they harm children.”

“Tyler Windoloski is alleged to have possessed numerous images and videos of that material, including depictions of children as young as three years old,” said HSI Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone. “The public should understand that offenders who collect this material help sustain a criminal marketplace that revictimizes children every time these images and videos are possessed, viewed, or shared. HSI Massena will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our federal, state, and local partners to identify offenders, protect children, and bring these cases before the courts.”

Because of Windoloski’s prior conviction, the charge filed against him carries a term of imprisonment of between 10 to 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. Windoloski will also be required to continue registering as a sex offender upon his release from federal prison.

A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the Massena Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

On September 16, 2026, a jury convicted Terry Mead, Jr., age 51, of Watervliet, New York of sexual exploitation of a child while under a duty to register as a sex offender, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.  

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office Craig Tremaroli, and Watervliet Police Chief William Rice made the announcement.

The evidence at trial established that, on March 3, 2025, the defendant sexually exploited a four-year-old child for a few minutes while the child was in his care. He took two sexually explicit photographs of the child in which the child’s genitals are displayed in a lewd and lascivious manner. The defendant sent one of those pictures to a third party via text messaging, which ultimately led to his arrest. As a result of his convictions, the defendant is facing a mandatory minimum term of 35 years in prison and a maximum of 170 years. The penalties also include a maximum fine of $250,000, restitution to the victim, registration as a sex offender, and special assessments. 

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone stated, “This week, Terry Mead Jr., a registered sex offender, exercised his right to a trial. Working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, the jury swiftly convicted him of all counts in the superseding indictment, including sexually exploiting a child and distributing an image of his horrific crime. Now Mr. Mead will have decades in prison to reflect on the pain he caused the child in this case. We expect him to likely spend the rest of his life in prison so he can no longer harm children. This administration will continue to prosecute those who prey on our community’s children to the fullest extent of the law.”

“FBI Albany’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force worked tirelessly on this investigation to pursue justice for the young victim and ensure Mr. Mead was held accountable for his disgusting abuse,” said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albany Field Office. “With the jury’s conviction, this sick predator will likely spend the rest of his life in federal prison – a fate he undeniably deserves. The FBI will continue to work in lockstep with our partners from the Watervliet Police Department and all our partners at every level of law enforcement to relentlessly investigate any predator who seeks to harm our most vulnerable.”

Watervliet Police Chief William Rice stated “This case involved the exploitation of a young child who was entrusted to the defendant’s care. Our detectives worked closely with the FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force throughout this investigation, and I want to commend the investigators and federal prosecutors for their dedication to ensuring that the evidence was thoroughly investigated and presented in court. The conviction holds the defendant accountable for his actions and, most importantly, provides a measure of justice for the child and the child’s family. The Watervliet Police Department will continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to protect children and aggressively investigate anyone who exploits them.”

The Albany FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Watervliet Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Kopita and Carling Dunham are prosecuting the case as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood program.  

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

Gregory Magin, age 46, of Glenville, New York, was sentenced on August 4, 2026 to 240 months for distribution and possession of child pornography.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Division Craig Tremaroli; and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, Magin admitted that in July 2024, using an Internet-based messaging application (“application”), he encouraged the production of multiple child pornography videos by another user who was actively sexually abusing a 14-year-old child.  Magin then used the application to distribute one of those child pornography videos to another user.  Additionally, during that same month, Magin possessed and distributed approximately 14 child pornography videos to other users of the application, including a video depicting the sexual abuse of a prepubescent child.  

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “Words cannot describe the horror that child victims endure at the hands of people like Gregory Magin.  That nightmare does not end when the abuse stops but sticks with these children for the rest of their lives.  Magin will have 20 years in prison to think about the pain that he has caused to these children.  We are thankful for our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners that investigated this case and uncovered Magin’s crimes.”

“Mr. Magin’s actions were horrifying, which is exactly why he’s going to federal prison for two decades,” said Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Division. “Today, our thoughts are with the victims whose abuse was not just encouraged by this monster but perpetuated through his distribution. The FBI will continue to relentlessly investigate these dangerous predators and ensure their victims are delivered the justice they deserve.”

NYSP Superintendent Steven G. James stated: “Anyone who engages in any type of predatory acts against children should understand that such crimes will not be tolerated. The evidence gathered and work done by the State Police and our law enforcement partners, lead to this sentencing and ensures the defendant will serve time for his deplorable crimes. I commend our State Police members, the United States Attorney’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Albany Division for their steady and proactive work on this case.”

In addition to the 20 years of imprisonment, United States District Court Judge Mae A. D’Agostino imposed 15 years of supervised release, a $40,000 fine, special assessments, forfeiture, and directed restitution to victims of the offense. 

FBI-Albany, Colonie Police Department, and the New York State Police investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney A.J. Vickey prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

Jeffrey Hart, age 51, of Saratoga Springs, New York, was sentenced September 14, 2026, to 210 months for distribution and possession of child pornography.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Anthony Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, Hart admitted that, after being convicted of the New York State offense of possessing a sexual performance by a child, he used an Internet-based group messaging application to send a video depicting the sexual abuse of a child to another user. Hart also admitted to possessing at least 79 images and 29 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children on his cell phone.  

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “Thanks to the efforts of our federal law enforcement partners, another dangerous individual who victimized children will likely be spending the rest of his natural life in prison, which is likely less time than his victims who still have to live with the memory of this monster’s abuse. Our office has zero tolerance for any crimes against children, especially those committed by individuals who have previously been convicted of such horrendous acts.”

Acting Special Agent in Charge Patrone stated: “Despite a prior conviction for conduct involving the sexual exploitation of a child, Jeffrey Hart again engaged in crimes that inflicted lasting harm on child victims and deeply wounded the sense of safety this community expects and deserves. Every image and video in this case represents a child who was abused, and every act of possession or distribution compounds that harm. Hart’s 210-month sentence is a serious consequence for a serious crime, and HSI Albany, together with the New York State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and our law enforcement partners, will continue working relentlessly to dismantle the networks that enable child exploitation.”

In addition to the 210 months of imprisonment, United States District Court Judge Anne M. Nardacci imposed 15 years of supervised release and directed restitution to the victims of the offenses. 

HSI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney A.J. Vickey prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

Kimberly Cardella, 59, of Rensselaer, NY was arraigned September 18, 2026, in Albany, NY before U.S. Magistrate Daniel J. Stewart on multiple counts including bank fraud, theft of government property and aggravated identity theft.  A federal grand jury indicted Cardella on September 3, 2026.  The charges arise from a joint investigation involving the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General and the New York State Comptroller’s Office.  According to the indictment, Cardella’s mother-in-law was a Social Security beneficiary and a NYS pensioner who passed away in 2009.  Because neither the Social Security Administration nor the New York State and Local Retirement System had been made aware of the death, both agencies continued to fund the dead mother-in-law’s checking account.  Cardella wrote checks for her personal use against that account, signing the checks in her mother-in-law’s name for nearly 17 years after the death.  This caused a loss of more than $530,000.00 to the Social Security program and more than $138,000.00 to the NYS pension fund.  This action is part of an ongoing effort of the Trump Administration’s Fraud Task Force aimed at eliminating fraud across the country.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge, Boston/New York Field Division, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA-OIG), and New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli made the announcement.

First Assistant United States Attorney John Sarcone stated, “The fact that this defendant openly signed her own dead mother-in-law’s name on checks that did not belong to her, in effect adopting her mother-in-law’s identity to obtain public funds intended for those in genuine need, as alleged, is simply shocking.  The fact that she continued this scheme for nearly seventeen years underscores the need for continued robust oversight and enforcement in our public benefits programs.  Hat’s off to the SSA-OIG and the New York State Comptroller’s investigators who jointly investigated this case.  My office stands ready to enforce laws against self-interested fraudsters like this who shamelessly convert public funds away from programs for the elderly and those who are truly in need.”

“Diverting more than half a million dollars in Social Security benefits is an egregious crime that directly harms the beneficiaries these programs are meant to support,” said Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, Boston–New York–Philadelphia Field Division. “Working alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the New York State Comptroller’s Office, we will continue to pursue those who exploit federal and state benefit programs and ensure these vital funds remain protected for the individuals they are intended to serve.”

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli stated "Kimberly Cardella allegedly scammed the state and federal governments out of nearly $670,000 over a 17-year period by taking money meant for her deceased mother-in-law. Thanks to the work of my investigators and partners in the federal government, her brazen fraud has been exposed, and she will be held accountable."

The charges filed against Cardella carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine for bank fraud, 10 years for theft of government property, and a mandatory 2 years for aggravated identity theft; with additional fines of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years.  Cardella may also be ordered to pay restitution to the United States of America and to New York State.  In addition, the government is seeking forfeiture of $530,735.00 lost to fraud in this case.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

SSA-OIG and the NYS Comptroller’s Office are investigating the case.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Arne Soldwedel is prosecuting the case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”).  The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people.  The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Win Naing, age 21, of Utica, New York, was sentenced September 15, 2026, to 4 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement.

As part of his prior guilty plea, Naing admitted that during a search of his home in Utica, New York, he possessed a cellular telephone on which he stored hundreds of images and videos of child pornography depicting the sexual abuse of children as young as four. Naing also admitted that he had obtained the child pornography from an internet-based social networking application installed on his phone. 

In addition to the term of imprisonment, Chief U.S. District Judge, Brenda K. Sannes sentenced Naing to a 15-year term of supervised release to begin after Naing is released from federal prison at which time Naing will be required to register as a sex offender. Naing was also ordered to pay $21,000.00 in restitution to victims of his offense. 

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “This defendant’s criminal conduct is abhorrent and only serves to revictimize the children depicted in the child sexual abuse material the defendant sought out and collected. The defendant’s conduct has now landed him in federal prison, which will hopefully serve as a warning to him and to others inclined to engage in this type of conduct. You will be found and you will be prosecuted.” 

“Mr. Naing was in possession of a deeply disturbing amount of child sexual abuse material,” said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albany Field Office. “As he heads to federal prison for the next four years, the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force will continue to relentlessly pursue any predator seeking to exploit our children through the collection of this sickening and incredibly harmful content.”

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the New York State Police with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. The was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

Christopher Pratt, age 40, of Utica, New York, was sentenced on September 10, 2026, to 11 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Anthony Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Pratt admitted that after sustaining a New York State conviction related to child pornography, Pratt possessed numerous images and videos of child pornography on his cell phone, on August 12, 2025. Pratt also admitted that between October of 2023 and January of 2025, he uploaded and distributed child pornography using an online social media application. 

In addition to the term of imprisonment imposed, United States District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi also imposed a 15-year term of supervised release that will begin after Pratt is released from prison. Pratt was also ordered to pay $27,000 in restitution to the victims of his offense.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “I commend our law enforcement partners for their steadfast commitment to protecting children and making sure individuals like the defendant do not remain free in our communities, where they can harm more kids. With the defendant’s disturbing history of child pornography-related offenses, this federal prison term is a just and appropriate punishment.”

“This sentence reflects the gravity of Christopher Pratt’s conduct, which included possessing, uploading, and distributing child sexual abuse material after a prior child pornography-related conviction,” said HSI Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone. “Every file traded online represents a real child victim, and the distribution of this material expands the harm, fuels further exploitation, and undermines the safety of our communities. HSI Syracuse remains unwavering in its commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who exploit children and to seek justice for victims.”

HSI investigated the case with assistance from the New York State Police and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Carbone and Adrian LaRochelle are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

Note: View Indictment Here. 

Jael Watts, 45, of Alloway, New Jersey, and Luis Pino-Copete, 42, of Bogota, Colombia, were convicted by a jury of orchestrating a sweeping nationwide scheme to steal millions of dollars in federal program funds administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”), designed to benefit elderly, disabled, and homeless Americans.  First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Brian Gallagher, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. DOT – Office of Inspector General (“OIG”), Northeastern Region, and Shawn Rice, Special Agent-in-Charge, HUD-OIG, Northeast Region, made the announcement.  This action is a part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

As proven at trial, Watts and Pino-Copete operated a shell company called Pearl Transit Corporation, headquartered in New Jersey, which purported to employ drivers all over the United States who gave rides to the elderly and disabled and engaged in street outreach for homeless Americans.  In reality, Pearl Transit employed no such drivers and performed no such services.  Rather, over the time-period of July 2019 through October 2025, Watts devised and executed a scheme to defraud numerous state and local administrators of federal pass-through funds designed to help the needy, including the Federal Transit Administration (“FTA”)’s Section 5310 Program and HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) and Emergency Solutions Grant (“ESG”), some of which were funded during the COVID pandemic by the CARES Act, by submitting false employment and customer information using stolen identities of real people, purporting to establish that Pearl Transit had provided rides to the elderly, disabled, and homeless.  Some of the individuals listed as Pearl Transit’s recipients were deceased at the times they purportedly received rides from Pearl Transit, and some of the purported drivers were individuals who did not have driver licenses and have never driven a car in their life (one had a learner’s permit at the time the defendants claimed she drove for Pearl Transit). Over the relevant period, the defendants sought reimbursement of over $13 million in federal funds through false claims and submissions.  Proof at trial established that the defendants lived a lavish lifestyle off of the over $1.6 million in federal funds they fraudulently obtained as part of the scheme:

• $529,500 in CDBG funds from Gwinnett County, Georgia;
• $429,885 in Section 5310 funds from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority;
• $283,000 in ESG funds from Kern County, California; and
• $379,149 in Section 5310 funds from the City of Raleigh, North Carolina.

Watts married Pino-Copete in Colombia in 2023, and Pino-Copete joined the fraud scheme shortly thereafter in January 2024.  In January 2025, he entered the United States on a visa issued in December 2024, and his role in the crimes progressed after Watts was initially charged by complaint with wire fraud in connection with the scheme in July 2025.  The defendants are pictured below conspiring to submit false documents in an effort to obtain $50,000 in federal funds from the City of San Bernadino, California while Watts was detained on the wire fraud complaint at the Albany County Correctional Facility in September 2025.

The investigation was spearheaded jointly by federal and state investigators.  It began in late 2024 when Watts submitted claims for reimbursement of nearly $750,000 through the Section 5310 Program to the New York State DOT on behalf of Pearl Transit.  The Office of the New York State Comptroller (“OSC”) found the invoices suspicious and initiated an audit.  In response to the audit, Watts and Pino-Copete generated numerous false documents using stolen identities of real people in an effort to convince New York State that Pearl Transit had actually performed the services it sought reimbursement for.  OSC quickly brought in DOT-OIG, which swiftly referred the case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2025.  The resulting joint federal and state investigation, joined by HUD-OIG, uncovered a multi-year nationwide scheme perpetrated by Watts to steal federal program funds perpetrated against administrators of these federal programs all over the country (including Georgia, North Carolina, California, and New York).  Following Watts’ arrest in July 2025 and the search of her cell phone and computer, investigators uncovered Pino-Copete’s role in the crimes and he was initially charged for his role in the scheme in December 2025 and detained pending trial.

Searches of the defendants’ cell phones uncovered scores of communications between the defendants about creating fake documentation to respond to OSC’s audit requests.  Watts declared, “one has to be committed to this type of work . . . and I am committed,” and boasted, “they are not smart . . . we are much smarter.”  An exhaustive review of the defendants’ numerous bank accounts showed that the over $1.5 million they fraudulently obtained just from Georgia, North Carolina, and California was spent entirely on a lavish lifestyle, including over $100,000 spent on Porsche rentals, over $100,000 spent at Loro Piana in Manhattan (an Italian luxury clothing brand where women’s jackets can cost $9,500 and purses can cost $4,500), and a nearly year-long travel spree in 2024 that ranged from Colombia, to Aruba, and four months in Europe.  Selfies the defendants took while spending fraud proceeds in Europe at a Tuscan spa and touring the BMW plant that were offered at trial are pictured below.

In another aspect of the scheme, the defendants sought CDBG reimbursements by claiming they provided free dental prostheses to homeless individuals.  In reality, the defendants printed dentures at their home with an unsanitary 3-D printer and charged homeless individuals fees for scanning their mouths and fitting the dentures.  Pino-Copete is pictured below showing off cash he obtained from a homeless dental client at a flea market in Maryland to Jael Watts on a video call while she was incarcerated at the Albany County Correctional Facility.

Following a multi-week jury trial in Utica, the jury found Watts and Pino-Copete guilty of all crimes charged in a third superseding indictment handed up earlier this month: Watts was convicted of one count of false statement, one count of aggravated identity theft, five counts of wire fraud; and Watts and Pino-Copete were convicted of one count of wire fraud conspiracy, one count of false document, and one count of aggravated identity theft.

At sentencing before U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi currently scheduled for January 21, 2027, Watts and Pino-Copete face a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, a maximum of twenty years in prison, fines of up to $250,000, and supervised release terms of up to three years.  Watts and Pino-Copete also face a restitution order of at least $1.9 million. In addition, Pino-Copete, who is not a U.S. citizen, faces removal and deportation following completion of any term of imprisonment.

“These two defendants traded their Tuscan spa robes for his and hers orange jumpsuits,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone said.  “I commend the hawkish work of OSC and our federal partners and thank my Assistant U.S. Attorneys for their tireless work in delivering these fraudsters justice. Had they been referred to state or local authorities for prosecution due to the irresponsible no bail laws here in NYS these two could have fled to Colombia.”

“These convictions send a clear message that those who exploit federal programs for personal gain will be held fully accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “The defendants fabricated payrolls and client lists, even using the identities of deceased individuals, to siphon millions meant for the most vulnerable Americans. I commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York and our federal and state partners for their relentless pursuit of justice in this case.”

“When criminals use funds meant for our most vulnerable on lavish lifestyles, they must face the consequences,” said Ronnie Kurtz, HUD Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development. “Fraudsters have been stealing funds from Georgia to California, but thanks to the work of the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, we are standing up for taxpayer dollars and creating real accountability. At HUD, we are putting an end to the status quo to stop the fraud before it happens. If you receive even one tax dollar, we expect results.”

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli stated, "Watts and Pino orchestrated a nationwide scheme to defraud the public.  Thanks to the vigilance of my office and our work with our federal law enforcement partners, they will be held accountable for their crimes.  I thank the United States Attorney's Office and federal Department of Transportation Inspector General's office for their partnership and excellent work allowing justice be served."

“Fraudsters who target federal transportation programs steal directly from the vulnerable communities these funds are meant to serve,” said Brian C. Gallagher, Special Agent-in-Charge, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeastern Region. “The convictions demonstrate that together with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners we will move swiftly and decisively to protect taxpayer dollars and hold accountable anyone who attempts to exploit these critical transportation resources.”

“Jael Watts and Luis Pino-Copete’s selfish actions diverted more than $1.5 million in federal funds to support their lavish lifestyle while depriving elderly, disabled, and homeless Americans of resources intended to benefit them.  Those entrusted with overseeing HUD funds have a responsibility to protect those resources and ensure they reach the vulnerable communities they were intended to serve,” said Special Agent in Charge Shawn A. Rice with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Inspector General (OIG).  “This is not a victimless crime.  Every dollar they stole could have been used to help vulnerable Americans.  HUD OIG will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who abuse positions of trust and jeopardize critical federal programs.”

DOT-OIG, HUD-OIG, and the OSC are investigating the case.  

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin S. Clark, Joshua R. Rosenthal, and Michael J. Whalen are prosecuting the case.

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division ('Fraud Division'). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Djosaha Azulphar a/k/a “T,” age 28, a Haitian national and lawful permanent resident of the United States, has been found guilty of distribution of controlled substances, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance following a four-day jury trial in federal court in Syracuse last week.  

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Farhana Islam, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration  (DEA), made the announcement. 

Evidence presented during the trial proved that on April 14, 2026, Azulphar distributed 50 grams of cocaine and 30 pills purported to be ecstasy to an informant working with the DEA in Plattsburgh, NY. On April 21, 2026, Azulphar met with the informant in Plattsburgh to distribute over three kilograms of purported ecstasy. Azulphar’s co-defendant, Deontae Alexander held the pills across the street while Azulphar negotiated with the informant. Azulphar and Alexander were both arrested that day. Lab testing later determined the pills were not ecstasy but were methamphetamine.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “This case highlights the dangers of selling, buying, and using illicit drugs. Azulphar represented he was selling ecstasy that was to be distributed to college students, but in fact the pills were highly addictive methamphetamine. When it comes to illicit drugs, one does not know what they are really putting in their body.”

“Drug traffickers who disguise dangerous substances as something other than what it is, and push them toward college students, are playing Russian roulette with young people’s lives” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “The pills Djosaha Azulphar sold were marketed as ecstasy but really contained highly addictive methamphetamine. This verdict should serve as a warning to anyone who looks to profit from deception and poison; the DEA will find you, dismantle your operation, and hold you accountable. While there are no guarantees in the illicit drug market, just one pill, one bad decision, can have devastating consequences.”

Azulphar will be sentenced on January 5, 2027, by United States District Judge Elizabeth C. Coombe, who presided over the trial. The conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute charges of conviction against Azulphar carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Azulphar’s co-defendant, Deontae Alexander, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He is to be sentenced by Judge Coombe on November 10, 2026, and faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 3 years.

This case was investigated by DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer prosecuted the case.

On September 2, 2026, John Vincent Dimick Jr., aka “Wo,” of Gloversville, NY; Quadir Jameek Powerful Supreme Johnson, aka “Q,” of Johnstown, NY; and Darena Ann Rutauskas, also of Johnstown, all age 21, were arrested in Gloversville and charged with distribution of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Farhana Islam, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, made the announcement. 

As alleged in the complaints, on August 24, 2026, Johnson sold over 200 fake Percocet pills, which contained a mix of heroin and fentanyl, to Dimick, who then sold them on to a confidential source.  The complaints further allege that on September 2, 2026, Dimick, Johnson and Rutauskas were driving to make another sale of pills containing controlled substances to the confidential source when they were arrested. According to the complaints, the pills were found in Rutauskas’ possession.

Johnson, who was driving, attempted to leave the scene after he was pulled over by police but drove into the verge on the side of the road. Dimick, Johnson and Rutauskas were all brought into federal court and had their initial appearances before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista that same day. Dimick waived a detention hearing and consented to being detained pending trial. The government moved for detention with respect to Johnson and Rutauskas. At his detention hearing on September 4, 2026, Johnson was initially released to pretrial supervision with conditions, however he is now in custody after consenting to detention. Rutauskas was released to pretrial supervision with conditions following her detention hearing. 

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone stated, “On September 2, 2026, we took two dangerous drug dealers off the street who sold counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. Due to the quick action of the DEA we were able to prevent more deadly drugs from making its way into the communities in the Northern District of New York. Thankfully we have the ability in federal court to detain defendants unlike New York State in many cases, and Johnson and Dimick will remain off the streets pending trial.” 

DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam stated, “With every arrest we make, and every deadly pill we remove from our streets, we reduce the opportunity for another family to suffer an unimaginable loss. The DEA continues to relentlessly target those individuals pushing their poison into our neighborhoods, endangering lives, and causing the most harm.”

The current charges against the defendants carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.  The charges against the defendants are merely allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Walter is prosecuting the case.

Shneur Gurkow, age 25, of Montreal, Canada, was sentenced September 15, 2026, to six and a half years in federal prison for transportation of child pornography.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Anthony Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.

As part of his plea, Gurkow admitted that in August 2025, he crossed the U.S.–Canada border at the Alexandria Bay, New York, Port of Entry with over 700 files of child pornography on his cell phone.  Gurkow had utilized social media platforms and foreign-based filesharing applications to obtain child pornography for years before entering the U.S. with it on his device. 

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone said: “Without the diligent efforts of our hardworking customs officials, the defendant would have been able to cross into the U.S. with a shocking number of illegal files on his cell phone. I thank CBP and HSI for identifying and investigating this despicable conduct.”

“The more than 700 files carried across our border were not merely digital contraband; they depicted the sexual abuse of children whose trauma is compounded each time that material is shared,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone. “This sentence holds the defendant accountable and helps prevent further circulation of material that inflicts lasting harm on victims and communities. HSI Syracuse will continue working with our law enforcement partners to identify offenders, protect children, and pursue justice for victims of exploitation.”

HSI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the New York State Police Computer Crimes Unit (NYSP CCU) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

Jeffrey Scott Hamm, Jr., age 33, of Binghamton, New York, pleaded guilty Wednesday, September 16, 2026, to transmitting threats to injure another in interstate commerce.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. 

As part of his guilty plea, Hamm admitted that on multiple dates in early 2026 he used his cellphone to access the Internet and post comments to an online video sharing platform threatening to kill or injure President Trump and ICE agents.  In one of his online posts, Hamm stated that he intended to kill the President “the first chance I **** get.” Hamm was arrested by FBI agents after security staff at the online video sharing company alerted the FBI to Hamm’s threats. 

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Threats to kill or injure President Trump or any federal law enforcement officers in my District will not be tolerated. As soon as we learned that the defendant had posted these violent threats on the internet, FBI agents working with my Office quickly located Hamm and arrested him.”

"The American public needs to know online threats of violence are illegal and will not be tolerated," said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Albany Field Office. "Online platforms provide a space for sharing information and ideas, but when those ideas cross over into threats of violence, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) will find you and hold you accountable."

At sentencing before United States District Judge Elizabeth C. Coombe on January 20, 2027, Hamm will face a maximum term of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen C. Green is prosecuting the case.

WHAT: State and Federal law enforcement partners will hold a press conference announcing convictions this week in a nationwide, multi-million-dollar federal program fraud scheme. Officials will outline the investigation and resources that went into this successful prosecution

WHEN: Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11:30 AM (11:00 AM Media Arrival)

WHERE: James T. Foley U.S. Courthouse 445 Broadway Albany, New York 12207 Rm 218

WHO:

First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III

Assistant Attorney General National Fraud Division Colin M. McDonald

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli

HUD Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development Ronnie Kurtz

U.S. Department of Transportation-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge, Brian C. Gallagher

Housing and Urban Development-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Shawn Rice

DETAILS:

RSVP to USAO Public Affairs: [email protected]

Pursuant to court policies, all audio, video, and photography must be authorized by the court in advance All members of the media must RSVP by Thursday October 1, 2026, at 3:00 PM.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in partnership with Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, Justin Page, Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and Brendan Cox, Chief of Police of the Albany Police Department, announced federal charges against fifteen alleged members and associates of the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation (“UGSN”). The charges are the result of a multi-agency investigation conducted by federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.

According to court documents, the UGSN operated in Albany and elsewhere since at least September 2024. The complaint alleges that members and others associated with those gang members sought to obtain revenue for the gang through the commission of various crimes, including bank fraud. The criminal complaint further alleges that the defendants conspired together to defraud and attempt to defraud individuals, financial institutions, and the U.S. Treasury out of more than $620,000. 

The criminal complaint charges the following fifteen defendants with participation in a bank fraud conspiracy. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $1 million, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years.  

The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “When violent gang members turn to bank fraud to finance their criminal enterprise, they should understand that law enforcement will follow the money as relentlessly as we pursue the violence. These charges hold accountable those who allegedly used fraud to fund a broader campaign of criminal activity and help protect both our financial institutions and our communities.”

“As alleged in the criminal complaint, these alleged members and associates of the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation (“UGSN”) brazenly stole checks from business and home mailboxes to commit bank fraud and fund their enterprise,” said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albany Field Office. “They subscribed to the idea they were as untouchable as their namesake implied. Operation Certified Delivery proved them wrong, illustrating the only thing untouchable here is the strength and reach of the FBI and our partners. We are grateful for the partnerships involved in this intricate investigation and we remain dedicated to working with our partners at every level of law enforcement to stop fraudsters and protect the American people’s hard-earned money.”

Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, Justin Page stated, “Today’s charges are a reminder that bank fraud is not a victimless crime. These fifteen defendants face significant penalties because of their criminal activity. Let today’s arrests be a reminder to criminals that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to pursue them in order to preserve the financial integrity of innocent Americans.”

“The charges against the alleged members of the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation are the result of relentless teamwork across federal, state, and local agencies. Our partnerships empower us to follow the money, unravel complex financial schemes, and bring criminal organizations to justice. Leveraging our financial expertise, we traced illicit proceeds and exposed fraud that threatened both our communities and the integrity of our financial system. Whether street gangs seek to fund their criminal activity through drugs, stolen treasury checks, or sophisticated bank fraud, this case proves that when we unite our strengths and resources, criminal enterprises will be met with a united front,” stated Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Executive Special Agent in Charge, IRS-CI New York.

Albany Police Department Chief Brendan Cox stated, “The Albany Police Department is proud to work together with our local, state, and federal partners to target organized crime. Criminal offenders must be held accountable for their actions and these individuals will be due to the efforts of this operation. Joint law enforcement collaborations are essential in addressing all types of crime. We are thankful for the working relationships we have with these partners that help keep our communities safe.”

This case is being investigated by FBI Albany Financial Crimes Task Force comprised of members of the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS-CI, and the Albany Police Department. Assistance was provided by the Albany County District Attorney's Office, Binghamton Police Department, Broome County Investigations Intelligence Unit, Broome County Sheriff's Office, Colonie Police Department, Cohoes Police Department, Capital Region Crime Analysis Center, Drug Enforcement Administration, Financial Crimes Bridge, Manhattan Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, New York Police Department, New York State Police, New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Orleans County Major Felony Crimes Task Force, Rochester Police Department, Saratoga Springs Police Department, Troy Police Department, U.S. Probation, New York State Intelligence Center (NYSIC), New York City Crime Analysis Center (NYCCAC), and U.S. Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra Hebert and Matthew McCrobie are prosecuting the case.

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Rhonda Cook, age 61, of Syracuse, New York made her initial appearance September 14, 2026, in federal court on charges of social security fraud and theft of government property.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge, Boston–New York–Philadelphia Field Division, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG) made the announcement.

According to the indictment, Cook received and kept Social Security money intended for a Social Security recipient while serving as a representative payee for that recipient and did not use the money for the benefit of the recipient. This action is part of an ongoing effort of the Trump Administration’s Fraud Task Force aimed at eliminating fraud across the country.  The charges in the indictment are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

First Assistant United States Attorney John Sarcone stated, “This case demonstrates that our commitment to identifying and prosecuting fraud applies across the board, whether it is a five-figure, six-figure or even greater case, my office stands ready to hold people accountable when they illegally take resources from those who truly need it.”

“Diverting Social Security benefits entrusted to one’s care is a serious violation that harms both the beneficiary and the integrity of a program relied upon by millions,” said Amy Connelly, Special Agent‑in‑Charge, SSA OIG Boston–New York–Philadelphia Field Division. “Our office will continue to identify and stop those who take advantage of these benefits and ensure they are used as intended.”

The charges filed against Cook include a maximum term of 10 years in prison for theft of government property and 5 years in prison for each of the social security fraud counts.  Cook may also be ordered to pay restitution to the government.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. 

SSA OIG is investigating the case, and it is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Arne Soldwedel.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”).  The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people.  The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Defendants Jalen Parker, age 32 and Juwan Parker, age 31, of Schenectady, New York, have both pled guilty before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine base. First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Federal Bureau of Investigation Albany Field Office Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli and Schenectady Police Department Chief Brian Whipple made the announcement. 

The brothers admitted to being a part of a drug trafficking organization that operated in Schenectady and Albany counties. Jalen Parker admitted to distributing over 200 grams of actual methamphetamine and over 325 grams of cocaine base between July 2024 and January 2026. Juwan Parker further admitted to selling over 47 grams of crack cocaine to another individual on July 9, 2024 and selling 14 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine on May 27, 2025. Upon execution of a search warrant at the brother’s residence in Schenectady, law enforcement recovered two firearms, 30 grams of fentanyl, and 300 grams of cocaine.

“Drug crime continues to plague our communities, and in this case, it appears to run in the family,” said First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “These brothers conspired to peddle poison in the community with no regard for the harm it causes—fueling potential violence and straining local resources and support networks. Thanks to the efforts of the FBI and the Schenectady Police Department, these defendants are off the streets and will face lengthy prison sentences for their roles in this operation.”

“The Parker brothers were responsible for trafficking dangerous narcotics onto the streets of Albany and Schenectady counties,” said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albany Field Office. “The FBI responded with the full force of the partnerships on our Safe Streets Task Force, and now both brothers are facing a substantial amount of time behind bars. The FBI is wholly committed to working with our partners at every level of law enforcement to leverage the resources needed to protect our communities from callous criminals looking to poison our citizens through the sale of dangerous drugs.”

“Those who profit from bringing dangerous drugs and firearms into our neighborhoods should expect the full attention of law enforcement. These guilty pleas demonstrate the strength of our federal partnerships and our shared commitment to holding drug traffickers accountable and keeping our community safe,” said Schenectady Police Chief Brian Whipple.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2026. Jalen faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 120 months and a maximum of life in prison at sentencing. Juwan faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 60 months and maximum of 40 years in prison at sentencing. 

The FBI and Schenectady Police Department investigated the case; Assistant United States Attorney Paul DerOhannesian is prosecuting the case.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Mark Hill, age 55, of Dexter, New York, appeared in federal court last week on charges of receiving and possessing child pornography.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Anthony Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

The complaint alleges that during a search of Hill’s home on September 9, 2026, law enforcement recovered a laptop and hard drive belonging to Hill that contained thousands of media files of child pornography that Hill had downloaded using an internet-based peer-to-peer filesharing program. Because of Hill’s prior 2013 conviction in New York state for rape in the third degree, he is required to register as a sex offender.

The receipt of child pornography charge carries a term of imprisonment from 15 to 40 years. The possession of child pornography charge carries a term of imprisonment from 10 to 20 years. Both charges carry a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.  Hill will also be required to continue registering as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Hill appeared in Syracuse, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Carla B. Freedman, and was detained pending trial.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “This defendant’s recidivism has landed him exactly where he belongs, behind bars. Now my office will continue to work to ensure the defendant stays there for a very long time.”

“The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing: a registered sex offender is accused of using peer-to-peer technology to obtain thousands of files depicting the sexual exploitation of children,” said HSI Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone. “Those who seek out and download child sexual abuse material are not passive observers; they are participants in a cycle of exploitation that causes lasting harm to victims and threatens public safety. HSI Syracuse will continue to bring the full weight of our investigative capabilities to these cases in close coordination with our trusted federal, state, and local partners.”

The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

HSI is investigating the case with assistance from the New York State Police, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Cheung and Adrian LaRochelle are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Angel Ruiz, age 30, of Gloversville, New York, was sentenced on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, to 93 months in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms crimes, including conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.

As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Ruiz admitted to his participation in a drug conspiracy from June 2020 to March 2021.  Ruiz further admitted to selling cocaine out of a co-defendant’s house, where the drugs and multiple firearms were stored.  The firearms were stored in a safe where the drugs were kept so that the defendant and his co-conspirator could access them to protect their drugs, drug proceeds, and themselves, from potential robbers.

In addition to the term of imprisonment imposed, Senior U.S. District Judge, Frederick J. Scullin Jr., also sentenced Ruiz to serve a three-year term of supervised release to begin after Ruiz is released from prison.

“I commend ATF on their steadfast commitment to keeping communities like Gloversville safe,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone. “The sentence imposed should serve as a message to those who poison our communities with drugs and violence that you will be arrested, you will be prosecuted, and you will be punished severely.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo stated: “Drug trafficking and firearms are a dangerous combination that fuels violence and threatens the safety of our communities. This 93-month federal prison sentence demonstrates that those who possess firearms while engaging in drug trafficking will be held accountable. ATF remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to identify, investigate and bring to justice those who use firearms to further criminal activity. We appreciate the dedicated efforts of our partners who helped bring this case to a successful resolution.”

ATF investigated the case with assistance from the Gloversville Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown prosecuted the case.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Casey Oakes, age 23, a dual citizen of Canada and the United States and a resident of the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation (AMIR), pleaded guilty on August 20,2026, for his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, Oakes admitted that in 2024, he received numerous packages shipped by a co-conspirator from Florida and California at residences in and around the AMIR that contained cocaine.  Oakes transported the cocaine across the St. Lawrence River by boat to Canada, where it was received by additional members of the conspiracy.  The conspiracy was uncovered when one of the packages was intercepted by HSI.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone said, “For decades, law enforcement and this Office have investigated and prosecuted narcotics trafficking occurring on and through the AMIR; this case is just the tip of the iceberg. My office remains committed to stopping narcotics smuggling in and around the AMIR and we need the cooperation of Tribal leaders and law enforcement to root out anyone who facilitates the poisoning of Americans with deadly and dangerous drugs.”

Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone said, “Behind this case was a calculated cross-border narcotics pipeline, with cocaine concealed in shipments from across the country and ferried by boat into Canada through the Akwesasne region. This guilty plea demonstrates the resolve of HSI and our law enforcement partners to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal networks that exploit border communities for profit. As a co-leader of the Homeland Security Task Force, HSI Massena will continue to pursue those who place greed above public safety and bring accountability to individuals who inflict harm on our communities.”

At sentencing, scheduled for December 21, 2026, Oakes faces a term of imprisonment up to life, a fine of up to $10 million, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

The case is being investigated by HSI with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New York State Police, the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department, and Sûreté du Québec. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis is prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Internal Revenue Service (IRS/ CID), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Customs and Border Protection/ Office of Border Patrol (CBP/ OBP), Customs and Border Protection/ Office of Field Operations (CBP/ OFO), DEA, Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), USPIS, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), and Department of State/Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York. 

ALBANY, NEW YORK – First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III met with U.S. Trustee William K. Harrington and Assistant U.S. Trustee Erin Champion on August 25. 

The meeting served as a forum for strengthening the partnership between the United States Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Trustee Program (USTP), with a shared focus on improving coordination and refining processes for handling criminal referrals. Participants discussed strategies to more effectively identify, investigate, and pursue instances of agency fraud, as well as other criminal conduct uncovered through individual and corporate bankruptcy filings. The conversation highlighted the mutual commitment to enhancing information‑sharing, streamlining referral procedures, and ensuring that potential criminal activity emerging from bankruptcy proceedings is addressed promptly, thoroughly, and in a manner that supports broader enforcement objectives.

“Under the leadership of President Trump and Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Justice Department has a renewed focus on fraud, this meeting was an important step in ensuring that all levels of government are closely collaborating to identify and pursue instances of fraud wherever they may exist,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone. “I look forward to a productive relationship and thank Trustee Harrington for his efforts on supporting our crackdown on fraud within the Northern District.” 

“As the watchdog of the bankruptcy system, the USTP is committed to identifying and referring bankruptcy fraud and bankruptcy-related crimes for investigation and prosecution,” U.S. Trustee Harrington said. “We are proud to support our law enforcement partners, and we are grateful to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone for his dedication to upholding the integrity of the bankruptcy system.”

Assistant U.S. Trustee Erin Champion, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone, and U.S. Trustee William Harrington.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Delos Thurston, age 28, of Clinton, New York, was sentenced on August 27, 2026, to 3 years’ probation for money order fraud. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Matthew M. Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”), made the announcement.

Between April 2025 and January 2026, while he was employed as the Postmaster of the Morrisville, New York, Post Office, Thurston fraudulently issued 179 money orders for his own benefit without paying for them, and in so doing stole $118,088.19 from the United States.

Senior U.S. District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also sentenced Thurston to pay restitution to the U.S. Postal Service in the amount of $118,088.19.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone said, “This defendant was entrusted with serving his community and the American public as Postmaster. He violated that trust by using his position to steal more than $100,000 from the United States Government and, by extension, the American taxpayer. Thanks to the swift action of the USPS Office of Inspector General, his misconduct was uncovered, and he will now be required to repay the stolen funds, and serve a term of strict supervision while on probation.”

“Today’s sentencing reinforces that employees who abuse their positions of public trust for personal gain will be held accountable. The USPS Office of Inspector General remains committed to protecting the integrity of the Postal Service. We thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York for its continued partnership,” said Matthew M. Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office, USPS Office of Inspector General.

The USPS-OIG investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie prosecuted the case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”).  The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people.  The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

South African Man Living in Jefferson County Sentenced for

Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Marcell M. Meyer, age 45, and a citizen of South Africa formerly residing in Sackets Harbor, New York was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for distributing and possessing child pornography announced First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Anthony Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Meyer admitted to using an internet-based social networking application installed on his cellular telephone to distribute multiple videos of child pornography to another user of the platform who Meyer believed to be a 13-year-old child, but who was actually an undercover HSI agent. Meyer also possessed child pornography on his cellular telephone on the day of his arrest.

In addition to the term of imprisonment, United States District Judge, Anthony J. Brindisi, also sentenced Meyer to serve a 5-year term of supervised release which will begin after Meyer is released from prison, at which time Meyer will also be required to register as a sex offender. Meyer was also ordered to pay $21,000 restitution to the victims of his offenses. Upon his release from federal prison Meyer will be immediately eligible for deportation proceedings. 

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone said: “Our law enforcement partners specialized cyber‑crimes units are dedicated to identifying, tracking, and arresting those who exploit and harm children online. Thanks to their relentless work, and our office’s prosecution, this defendant will serve 12 years in federal prison and will be subject to deportation afterward. We will continue to pursue anyone who preys on children and ensure they face lengthy prison sentences as a result of their crimes.”

Acting Special Agent in Charge Patrone stated: “Marcell Meyer’s sentence reflects the gravity of his crimes and the lasting harm caused by those who trade in child sexual abuse material. By distributing graphic abuse videos to someone he believed was a child and keeping this material on his phone, Meyer helped fuel a cycle of exploitation that revictimizes children every time these files are shared. HSI Syracuse will continue to pursue offenders who prey on children online and work with our partners to ensure victims are protected and predators are held accountable.”

The case was investigated by HSI Syracuse and HSI Portland, Maine with the assistance from the New York State Police, and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.  and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle as a part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Anthony Gagnon, age 23, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, was arrested on August 4, 2026, for cyberstalking.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

The criminal complaint alleges that Gagnon sent menacing and threatening communications through social media and text messages to several residents of Saratoga County, New York.  These messages included numerous references to one of the victims being kidnapped as well as communications that identified where that victim lives and other personal details.   

“Cybercriminals hide behind electronic screens, but those who issue violent threats will be swiftly investigated, identified, and arrested,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone. “Thanks to the outstanding work of our partners at the FBI, this defendant was quickly apprehended and as alleged can no longer use the internet as a platform to make threats.”

“As alleged in the criminal complaint, Mr. Gagnon sent a series of threatening messages to several victims in Saratoga County. Through swift coordination with our partners on FBI Albany’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and our colleagues at FBI Jacksonville’s Daytona Beach Resident Agency, he was identified, located, and taken into custody. This arrest should send a clear message that the FBI will not tolerate criminals who hide behind a keyboard while terrorizing our citizens,” said Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli. 

Gagnon had an initial appearance August 4, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, and was released on conditions.

The charge filed against Gagnon carries a maximum term of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.  The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.  

The FBI is investigating the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal is prosecuting the case.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Today’s announcement that Meta has agreed to pay up to $17.1 billion and implement reforms across Facebook and Instagram is an encouraging step forward. For years, children and teens have been harmed by social media platforms that deployed deceptive, addictive, and emotionally manipulative algorithms designed to keep young users online longer, ultimately boosting corporate profits at the expense of children’s well‑being. 

Rates of chronic social media addiction among youth continue to rise, exposing children and teens to significant online dangers. While digital platforms can be valuable tools for learning and connection, they also create opportunities for predatory individuals to target and exploit vulnerable young people.

For parents and caregivers looking for ways to better understand their child’s online activity,  there are some simple, practical steps worth considering. Discussing with your child what information they share with others can help ensure sensitive personal details—such as photos, school information, or locations—are not being shared publicly. Keeping profiles private, using non‑identifying usernames or images, limiting personal information, and adjusting privacy settings on all devices, including tablets and smartwatches, are easy ways to strengthen digital safety.

The Department of Justice’s flagship child‑safety initiative, Project Safe Childhood, is a nationwide effort to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood brings together federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children online, as well as identify and rescue victims.

In an increasingly digital world, it is essential that adults engage children and teens in ongoing, age‑appropriate conversations about online safety. To learn more, visit: https://www.justice.gov/psc.

If you believe a child is in immediate danger or need to report a crime, contact your local law enforcement office. For reporting online exploitation, suspicious activity, or to seek additional information, visit CyberTipline.com or call 800‑843‑5678.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Dwight A. Singletary II, aka “Nutt” and “Mike Jones,” age 44, of Fresno, California and Troy, New York, pled guilty August 25, 2026, to leading a nationwide marijuana and THC trafficking organization that shipped thousands of kilograms of marijuana from Fresno to locations throughout the United States, including the Capital Region.  Singletary is the 25th and final defendant to plead guilty in the case.  

Starting in 2016, Singletary and other members of the organization shipped marijuana and THC from a shipping store in Fresno, Fast Pack & Ship, to recipients throughout the United States, including the Capital Region, New York City, and other parts of New York, Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.  Fast Pack & Ship was initially owned by Sammy Olague, who sold the store to Nehemiah Fane, aka “Neil,” in June 2018.  Singletary helped finance the purchase, and Fane ran the store with James Tyrell Daniels, aka “Red” and “Ghost,” and Ruby Ledesma before transferring it to the mother of Singletary’s children, McKenzie Merrialice Coles, aka “Kenzie,” in April 2020.  Coles, who is originally from Troy but lived with Singletary in Fresno, operated Fast Pack & Ship through M.M.M.C. Management, Inc.  Singletary, Coles, Fane, Daniels, Olague, Ledesma and other members of the organization all shipped marijuana from Fast Pack & Ship.  

The packages of marijuana, which were shipped through UPS and FedEx, reflected the names of fake shippers, and the marijuana was concealed in dog food containers and luggage.  To avoid detection, the packages of marijuana were often sealed with eBay packing tape.  Between April 2017 and June 2022, approximately 1,292 packages containing 7,068 kilograms, or 15,582 pounds, of marijuana were shipped from Fast Pack & Ship to the Capital Region alone.  

“With this final guilty plea, my office has now brought 25 defendants to justice for their roles in this criminal enterprise,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “These individuals operated a large-scale illegal marijuana and THC trafficking scheme, moving their illicit product across the country and into the Capital Region. As if flooding the community with unregulated, illegal drugs weren’t harmful enough, they also sought to launder millions of dollars in illegal profits. Thanks to the collaboration of our law enforcement partners across the country, their scheme was disrupted, and justice has been delivered to all 25 defendants.”

ATF New York Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo said, “This guilty plea closes the chapter on a sprawling criminal organization that moved thousands of kilograms of marijuana and THC across the country and into communities throughout New York’s Capital Region. This network relied on concealed shipments, knock spots and, in some instances, firearms to facilitate and protect its illegal drug trafficking activities. Holding the 25th and final defendant accountable reflects years of determined investigative work and the strength of the partnerships that brought this organization down. ATF NY Albany is proud to have worked alongside HSI, DEA, the Troy Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York to dismantle this network and hold those responsible accountable.”

“This guilty plea marks the final defendant held accountable in a sophisticated, nationwide drug trafficking organization that moved more than 15,000 pounds of marijuana from California into the Capital Region and communities across the country,” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “For years, this organization attempted to conceal its criminal enterprise by disguising drug shipments in dog food containers and luggage, using our nation’s commercial shipping system to move thousands of pounds of marijuana, and laundering millions of dollars in drug proceeds through cash couriers, financial transactions and real estate. The DEA and our law enforcement partners have and will always continue to relentlessly pursuit drug trafficking organizations at every level; from its leadership and suppliers to its distributors and those responsible for laundering its profits.”

“This investigation is a strong example of the importance of law enforcement agencies working together to address complex criminal activity. Our task force officer’s involvement reflects this department’s commitment to supporting our federal law enforcement partners. We are proud of the work our detective contributed to this investigation. Strong partnerships and interagency cooperation are critical to keeping our communities safe and holding those responsible for criminal activity accountable,” said Troy Chief of Police Daniel DeWolf 

HSI Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone said, “Dwight Singletary led a coast-to-coast marijuana and THC trafficking organization that, for years, shipped more than 15,000 pounds of marijuana to the Capital Region alone using fake shipper names, dog food containers, luggage, and other methods designed to hide the crime. This investigation exposed the full scope of the operation, from packaging and shipment in Fresno, to street-level ‘knock spot’ sales in New York, to the laundering of millions of dollars in drug proceeds through cash couriers, cashier’s checks, business accounts, real estate, and luxury assets. As the 25th and final defendant, Singletary’s guilty plea marks a decisive end to this organization and demonstrates how sustained collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement partners protects the public from sophisticated criminal networks.”

The packages of marijuana were received by numerous members of the organization in the Capital Region, including Coles’ mother, Rosemary Coles; Coles’ cousins, Isiah Ti-Quan Clements, aka “Zay, and LaFay Pearson, aka “Lala”; and Coles’ aunts and uncle, Consanga Harris, aka “Sondy,” June Allyson Osman, aka “Juney,” and Victor Turner.  Other recipients in the Capital Region included Lawrence Mumphre, aka “L,” Deandre Caldwell, aka “Dilli,” “Dillinger,” and “Dre,” Tyquan Armstrong, aka “Moose,” Niara Banks, aka “Nie,” Toqwanda Ketchmre, aka “Quannie,” and Jazell Shuler.  The recipients were paid between $300 and $400 per package received, and the packages were often picked up by Singletary’s brother, David Singletary, aka “DB,” who managed the organization’s operations in the Capital Region and received packages of marijuana at his apartment in Cohoes.  

Lateek White and Onisha Smith, who are brother and sister, received packages of marijuana shipped from Fast Pack & Ship in Brooklyn, New York, and their uncle, Earnest Flood, aka “Pop,” received packages of marijuana in Richmond, Virginia.  

In addition to selling bulk marijuana, Singletary, David Singletary, Mumphrey, and other members of the organization sold marijuana and THC out of “knock spots” in the Capital Region.  The “knock spots” advertised various strains and quantities of marijuana and THC “edibles” for sale, with prices, on white boards.  To make a purchase, customers knocked on the door, requested a particular strain of marijuana or type of THC edible, and exchanged cash for the marijuana or THC edibles, or both, through a slot in the door.  

In searching one of the “knock spots” at 2657 5th Avenue, Troy, New York, pursuant to a warrant on January 10, 2022, law enforcement encountered Mumphrey, who ran the day-to-day operations of the “knock spot,” and discovered approximately 29 pounds of marijuana packaged for distribution in several plastic shelves with sticky notes denoting the strain and price of the marijuana; digital scales; a large safe with a bulletproof vest; a dogfood container with strains of marijuana and dollar amounts written on the side; and a box shipped from Fast Pack & Ship to Mumphrey at his home in Albany.  A surveillance system with footage from January 5 to 10, 2022, depicted Singletary and David Singletary at the “knock spot” on three days and Mumphrey at the “knock spot” all five days.  A total of approximately 280 marijuana sales through the door to the “knock spot” were made over the course of the five days.  

On June 15, 2022, law enforcement simultaneously executed five search warrants in Fresno and 12 search warrants in the Capital Region.  Singletary and Coles owned two adjacent homes at 5636 and 5371 West Acacia Avenue, Fresno, California, and lived together in 5371 West Acacia Avenue.  In searching 5636 West Acacia Avenue, which was used by Singletary to store and package marijuana, law enforcement discovered a total of approximately 118 kilograms, or 260 pounds, of marijuana in black plastic bags throughout the house.  The home, which was unfurnished besides a couch and television, also contained stacks of unused brown shipping boxes; six spindles of plastic wrap; large bags of packing peanuts; eight rolls of eBay packing tape; digital and commercial scales; plastic bags for vacuum sealing and three vacuum sealers; several packages of locks; and at least five plastic dogfood containers and four pieces of luggage, which were used to ship marijuana.  

In searching Singletary’s and Coles home at 5371 West Acacia Avenue, law enforcement seized, among other things, over $1.2 million worth of watches, jewelry, and designer bags, belts, and shoes along with a loaded Glock Model 23 .40 caliber pistol.  

Before purchasing 5636 and 5371 West Acacia Avenue, Singletary and Coles lived in another home in Fresno, where Coles photographed Singletary packaging marijuana for shipment:

In addition to purchasing and reselling bulk marijuana, Singletary worked with Daniels to cultivate marijuana on a commercial scale at a warehouse on Van Ness Avenue in Fresno.  In searching the warehouse, law enforcement discovered 424 marijuana plants at various stages of maturity in five commercial grow rooms with fans, air conditioning, and grow lights.  Outside the warehouse itself, in the front entrance to the building and in an office off the front entrance, law enforcement discovered six plastic bags containing four pounds of processed marijuana buds; two digital scales; a money counter; a plastic dogfood container; luggage; shipping peanuts; and eBay packing tape.  Footage from a surveillance system at the warehouse showed Daniels tending to the marijuana plants and bringing supplies into the warehouse with Singletary.  

In searching David Singletary’s apartment in Cohoes, law enforcement discovered and seized, among other things, 29 vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana weighing approximately 19 kilograms and labeled, among other things, “GMO,” “Mimosa,” “Gary Payton,” “#45,” and “Gumbo 3A,” a dogfood container with ten clear knotted plastic bags each containing approximately one pound of marijuana, a clear plastic bag containing marijuana next to a scale on the kitchen counter, a gun box with 11 rounds of .40 caliber Winchester ammunition in a 12-round magazine, a money counter, a vacuum sealer,  jewelry worth over $30,000, and $14,552 in cash.  

To promote the marijuana trafficking organization, Coles created an Instagram account in the name nutty_packz, and in searching David Singeltary’s apartment, law enforcement discovered marijuana packaging materials with the “Nutty Pack” emblem:

In searching Mumphrey’s home in Albany, which he shared with his wife, Latrice Mumphrey, law enforcement discovered a backpack containing two plastic bags of marijuana with “41 Cherries” and “Dulce De Leche” written on the side.  A locked room in the basement contained a plastic dogfood container with “41 Cherries $3,600,” “Dulce De Leche $3,800,” and “12 Lows $700” written on the side and with eight bags of marijuana weighing approximately one pound apiece.  The locked room also contained a suitcase with four firearms—a Ruger model AR-556 5.56x45mm caliber semiautomatic rifle, 5.56x45mm caliber semiautomatic rifle, Anderson model AM-15 5.56x45mm caliber semiautomatic rifle, and Taurus 9mm caliber pistol—and assorted ammunition. 

Caldwell’s apartment in Albany contained marijuana, THC edibles, digital scales, boxes from Fast Pack & Ship, $15,941 in cash drug proceeds, and a .380 caliber handgun.  Armstrong’s apartment in Rotterdam contained seven vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana weighing 10 pounds; two money counters; and $18,723 in cash.  The apartment also contained a loaded .357 revolver, a loaded .22 caliber “ghost gun,” and 125 rounds of .357 ammunition.

The search warrants did not deter Singletary, David Singletary, and other members of the organization and they continued to traffic marijuana, including out of the “knock spot” at 2657th Avenue.  In searching 2657th Avenue a second time on November 11, 2022, law enforcement discovered prepackaged marijuana, a loaded Taurus G2C 9mm handgun, and paperwork in David Singletary’s name.

After the search, Singletary and David Singletary moved the “knock spot” to an apartment next door at 2655 5th Avenue, Troy, New York, which was searched pursuant to warrant on January 4, 2023.  A whiteboard offering marijuana for sale was outside the door to 2655 5th Avenue, which had a slot used to exchange marijuana for money.  The same day, law enforcement executed a second search warrant at David Singletary’s apartment in Cohoes, which contained approximately 74 pounds of marijuana in vacuum-sealed packages.  

The marijuana and THC trafficking generated millions of dollars in revenue, which Singletary and other members of the organization laundered through a variety of means.  David Singletary routinely gave other members of the organization, including Clements and Kristle Walker, aka “Demii,” locked suitcases containing well over $150,000 in cash marijuana and THC proceeds.  Walker and Clements then separately flew from Albany to Fresno, where they delivered the cash to Singletary and Coles.  In July 2020, Walker attempted to board a flight from Albany to Fresno with a suitcase containing $179,710 in cash drug proceeds, which was seized by law enforcement.  The cash belonged to Singletary, but in seeking return of the cash from the DEA, Walker falsely claimed ownership.    

Federal law requires financial institutions to complete a currency transaction report for cash transactions over $10,000.  At Singletary’s direction, Walker, Clements, Banks, Mumphrey, Latrice Mumphrey, and another member of the organization, Alyssa June White, purchased multiple cashier’s checks in amounts slightly below the reporting threshold for cash transactions of over $10,000, but amounting to over $10,000 in total, oftentimes at different banks and branches on the same day.  The cashier’s checks were payable to Singletary; his company, DAS Empire, Inc.; his real estate law firm; a company from which he and Coles purchased real estate; and to a person from whom Singletary and DAS Empire purchased real estate.  

Singletary, at times through DAS Empire, purchased and renovated several properties in the Capital Region with marijuana proceeds.  He used the cashier’s purchased with cash marijuana proceeds to pay for the properties, and paid contractors renovating the properties with cash marijuana proceeds.  In 2021, Singletary and Coles used $430,000 and $390,000 in marijuana proceeds to purchase 5363 and 5371 West Acacia, respectively.  The purchase price was paid through, among other means, cashier’s checks purchased with marijuana proceeds.  

To make the marijuana proceeds appear like legitimate business income, members of the organization deposited hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash marijuana proceeds into accounts held by Coles in the name of her company, M.M.M.C. Management, and into business accounts held by Fane, who was previously employed as a banker but fired for money laundering.  At Singletary’s directions, members of the organization—including Walker, Clements, and Shuler—sent over $103,000 in money transfers purchased with cash marijuana proceeds in the Capital Region to Fane and others in and around Fresno.  

Law enforcement forfeited a total of over $2.53 million in cash, vehicles, jewelry, real property, and other assets from Singletary and other members of the organization.

Singletary faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison on the two counts to which he pled guilty, conspiring to distribute marijuana and conspiring to commit money laundering; fines of up to $10.25 million; and a term of supervised release of between five years and life.  His plea agreement with the government calls for a sentence of 10- to 20-years imprisonment.  If the court rejects the plea agreement, Singletary will be permitted to withdraw his plea.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

In addition to Singletary, 24 other defendants have pled guilty.  The following defendants pled guilty to the following charges and received the following sentences:

Defendant

Charge(s)

Sentence

The following defendants pled guilty to the following charges, face the following sentences, and are awaiting sentencing:  

Defendant

Charge(s)

Potential Sentence

The ATF, DEA, Troy Police Department, and HSI investigated the case, with critical support from U.S. Attorney’s Office Financial Investigator Justus Derx.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyrus P.W. Rieck, Dustin C. Segovia, and Nicholas Walter are prosecuting the case.  

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. 

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Dean Dellas, age 42, of Cazenovia, New York, was sentenced on August 26, 2026, to 70 months’ imprisonment after previously pleading guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement.

As part of his prior guilty plea, Dellas admitted that beginning no later than June 2021 through November 2023, he acted as a financial advisor for the investment accounts of clients in the Syracuse area. Dellas fraudulently induced those clients to sign paperwork that authorized Dellas to take advisor fees from their accounts well in excess of what they actually agreed to. For other accounts, Dellas fraudulently induced the clients to sign paperwork granting him trading and withdrawal authority over their accounts. This account-opening paperwork misrepresented Dellas’s relationship to the clients and falsely stated that Dellas received no compensation for providing investment advice. The account-opening documents that Dellas induced the client to sign also falsely stated that the client wanted to engage in high-risk forms of investment, according to the indictment. Dellas further admitted that to conceal the fraud, he took steps to conceal account statements from his clients and at times impersonated clients in communicating with brokerage firms. Dellas admitted that he stole approximately $686,000 from his victims through unauthorized withdrawals and advisor fees.

“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of Dellas’s conduct,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone. “By manipulating client documents and misusing the authority he was given, Dellas undermined the integrity of the investment process and caused significant financial harm. This outcome underscores the importance of safeguarding investors and ensuring that those who misuse their positions face appropriate consequences, in this case, repaying the stolen funds and serving nearly six years in prison.”

“Mr. Dellas’ clients trusted him with their hard-earned money,” said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albany Field Office. “In return, he devised schemes that allowed him to steal over $680,000 from them. This sentence and order of restitution delivers the justice his victims deserve. While he heads to federal prison for nearly six years, the FBI will continue to aggressively investigate and bring to justice any individuals disguising themselves as a trusted financial advisor to take advantage of Americans.”

Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also ordered Dellas to pay restitution to the victims of the offense, in the amount of $686,797 and imposed a 2-year term of supervised release to follow his release from prison.

FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. McCrobie and Michael F. Perry prosecuted the case. 

ALBANY, NEW YORK – William Strack II, age 37, of Saranac Lake, New York, pleaded guilty August 4, 2026, to eight counts of sexual exploitation of children.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Anthony Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James; and Saranac Lake Police Chief Darin Perrotte made the announcement.

The defendant was arrested on October 14, 2025, by the Saranac Lake Police Department. On November 5, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted the defendant on eight counts of sexual exploitation of children.

As part of his guilty plea, Strack admitted that between January 2022 and October 2025, he sexually abused three children and took videos and pictures of that abuse. Another minor child accessed the defendant’s phone and saw the videos and images of the defendant sexually abusing an 11-year-old minor female, a 15-year-old minor female, and another 11-year-old-minor female. The minor child who accessed the defendant’s phone reported the defendant to the Saranac Lake Police Department. The investigation revealed that the defendant had been sexually abusing children over a period of years.

“With this guilty plea, Mr. Strack now faces a potential life sentence for the horrific conduct he engaged in. For years, he was able to perpetrate these reprehensible acts, but thanks to the diligent efforts of the Saranac Lake Police Department and our partners at Homeland Security Investigations and the New York State Police, he will no longer be able to victimize innocent children in our community,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone.

HSI Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone said, “William Strack II admitted to exploiting and abusing multiple minor victims over several years, creating images and videos that documented those horrific crimes — conduct that reflects a years-long pattern of predatory abuse and exploitation that inflicted profound harm on vulnerable children. HSI Rouses Point, together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, is committed to identifying predators, bringing them to justice, and protecting children from further harm. This case underscores the critical impact of collaborative investigations in safeguarding our communities and ensuring victims are heard, protected, and supported.” 

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “We are committed to finding justice for victims of child exploitation and making sure those who threaten children in any capacity are put behind bars. The acts performed by Mr. Strack are unconscionable and this type of behavior cannot, and should not, be tolerated in our society. I thank all our partners involved in this case for their unwavering dedication in making sure every child is protected from any source of harm.”

This sentence sends a strong message that crimes against children will not be tolerated in our community,” said Chief Darin Perrotte. “Protecting the most vulnerable members of our community — our children — remains one of the highest priorities of the Saranac Lake Police Department. These investigations are difficult and deeply disturbing, but our Officers remain committed to pursuing justice for victims and holding offenders fully accountable for their actions. Cases involving the exploitation and abuse of children require strong partnerships and collaboration between agencies. We are grateful for the professionalism, dedication, and expertise provided by all agencies involved in this investigation and prosecution.”

When he is sentenced on December 2, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Anne M. Nardacci, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, a maximum term of imprisonment of up to life, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. The defendant will also be required to register as a sex offender and will be responsible for restitution to the victims. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes that the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

Strack has been detained since his arrest on October 14, 2025.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case, with assistance from the New York State Police and the Saranac Lake Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham is prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Gerard Reilly, Jr., age 59, of Kirkwood, New York, was sentenced August 5, 2026, to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison and 5 years supervised release for failing to register as a sex offender in the state of New York.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Acting United States Marshal Christopher J. Amoia made the announcement.

As part of his prior guilty plea, Reilly admitted that in May 2006 he was convicted in Broome County Court of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and, as a result, was sentenced to five years in state prison. As a result of this conviction, Reilly was required to register as a sex offender under both federal and state law in any state in which he resided after his release from state prison. In April of 2024, Reilly notified authorities in New York that he had relocated to Texas. Shortly thereafter, in August 2024, Reilly relocated from Texas back to New York, where he resided until his arrest in October 2025, the whole time knowingly failing to register as a sex offender in New York as required.

In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Elizabeth C. Coombe, also sentenced Reilly to serve a 5-year term of supervised release to begin after Reilly is released from federal prison. Reilly will also be required to continue registering as a sex offender upon his release from incarceration.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “Sex offenders are subject to strict supervision and reporting requirements that keep law enforcement informed of their activities and help protect the community. By failing to register, Mr. Reilly willfully disregarded the conditions of his original sentence and created a public safety risk. Thankfully, our partners at the U.S. Marshals Service identified and apprehended him, and he now faces another term of imprisonment.”

Acting U.S. Marshal Amoia stated, “Individuals who are required by law to register as sex offenders must understand that failing to comply with those requirements has serious consequences. The United States Marshals Service will continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and apprehend those who disregard the registration obligations. Today’s sentence demonstrates that these violations will be taken seriously and that offenders who fail to comply with the law will be held accountable.”

The United States Marshals Service investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian LaRochelle as a part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

UTICA, NEW YORK – Reginaldo Nunes Dos Santos, 49, of Brazil, pled guilty Tuesday, July 28, to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and James P. D’Amato, Acting Chief Patrol Agent, U.S. Border Patrol Buffalo Sector made the announcement.

Dos Santos had been arrested two previous times for entering the United States illegally.  Most recently, he was arrested in Texas in 2019 and was subsequently deported in 2020.  

On June 11, 2026, Dos Santos was arrested after a traffic stop near Watertown, New York.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “The United States is a nation of opportunity, and we welcome those who follow our laws and pursue legal pathways to build a life here. This defendant chose a very different path, illegally entering our country three separate times. After being arrested and deported under the first Trump Administration, he later used the prior administration’s immigration failures to return, placing the financial burden of his unlawful behavior on hardworking taxpayers. Now, under the current Trump Administration, he has once again been arrested for violating our immigration laws. His repeated disregard for U.S. law has resulted in a federal prison sentence, after which he will be deported. Let this be a clear reminder: those who continually violate our nation’s immigration laws will face American justice and be subject to deportation.”

“Through intelligence-driven targeting and coordinated enforcement efforts, agents from the Wellesley Island Station arrested a repeat immigration law violator in Watertown, NY. The agents of the U.S. Border Patrol will continue to remain vigilant, alert, and always ready to protect our borders and secure our homeland,” said James P. D’Amato, Acting Chief Patrol Agent, U.S. Border Patrol Buffalo Sector.

United States District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi sentenced Dos Santos to two months’ imprisonment.  Following his sentence, Dos Santos is subject to deportation.

United States Border Patrol investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Whalen prosecuted the case.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Edgar Diaz, age 47, pled guilty on August 12, 2026, to one count of immigration fraud.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Buffalo Acting Field Office Director Philip Rhoney made the announcement.

Diaz is a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States. In June 2019, while pending an immigration proceeding, Diaz was allowed to participate in the Enforcement and Removal Operations Custody Management Division’s Alternative to Detention Program (“ATD”), in lieu of being held in immigration custody. As part of the ATD, Diaz wore an ankle bracelet that allowed him to be tracked using GPS equipment. On June 7, 2019, Diaz cut the ankle bracelet and remained a fugitive until he was arrested in Virginia in May 2026. 

As part of his plea, Diaz admitted that on January 28, 2019, he used and possessed a counterfeit permanent resident card bearing his name and photograph but a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services number that had not been assigned to him to obtain employment at a farm in Marietta, New York.  

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone stated, “The Trump administration’s commitment to securing the homeland remains a top priority. This defendant has been a fugitive for nearly seven years, and now that the President has restored law and order in our country, the dedicated special agents at Homeland Security Investigations were able to track down Diaz and bring him to justice. With this plea, he will serve a term of imprisonment and then be subject to deportation.”

ICE ERO Buffalo Acting Field Office Director Philip Rhoney said, “When individuals abscond from supervision and use counterfeit documents to secure employment, they undermine the lawful immigration process and the security it is designed to protect. Immigration laws are not merely suggestions, and the sanctity of those statutes is vital to public safety and the security of our borders. Today and always, ERO will continue to make immigration enforcement a priority to protect our communities and uphold a system the American people can trust.”

Diaz will be sentenced on December 10, 2026, by Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. Diaz faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Thomson is prosecuting the case.

Chinese National Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute 94 Kilograms of Marijuana 

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Wenjian Zhuo, age 32, a Chinese national and lawful permanent resident of the United States, was sentenced July 28, 2026, to 27 months in prison for possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute it. Zhuo was convicted by a jury after a two-day trial in federal court in Syracuse in February.  

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Farhana Islam, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Enforcement Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, made the announcement. 

Evidence presented during the two-day trial proved that on January 22, 2025, Zhuo drove from New York City to the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation where his van was loaded with 94 kilograms (approximately 207 pounds) of marijuana. Zhuo began to transport the marijuana back to New York City where he intended to deliver it when Border Patrol pulled him over and seized the marijuana.

“Our partners at the U.S. Border Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration are working tirelessly to protect our nation and to crack down on those who traffic illegal drugs into our country,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “This prison sentence reaffirms this administration’s commitment to stopping the flow of dangerous drugs along our northern border — and it delivers a clear message: if you push illegal substances into our communities, we will identify you, we will prosecute you, and you will face justice for your actions. Following this sentence, the Department of Homeland Security will be able to pursue action to revoke Zhuo’s legal status and begin the process of deportation. Legal immigrants who violate our laws and put Americans at risk are subject to review and potential revocation of their legal status as part of ensuring the safety and security of our communities.”

“This sentencing sends a clear message to those individuals who attempt to traffic illegal marijuana across our border, that actions have consequences,” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “This defendant traveled hundreds of miles to obtain and transport 94 kilos of marijuana with the intent to distribute it in New York City. The DEA New York Enforcement Division, alongside our U.S. Border Patrol and law enforcement partners, remain steadfast in securing our border and disrupting those drug trafficking individuals and organizations looking to flood our neighborhoods with illegal drugs.”

In addition to the 27 months of imprisonment, United States Senior District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also ordered that Zhuo be subject to 3 years of supervised release once released and pay a $5,000 fine.

U.S. Border Patrol and DEA investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer prosecuted the case.

BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Bryan Nixon, age 32, of Endicott, New York pled guilty on July 27, 2026, in Syracuse, New York to possession of a firearm and ammunition as a felon.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Bryan DiGirolamo and Vestal Police Department Chief of Police Vince Stavola, made the announcement. 

As part of his guilty plea, Nixon admitted that he possessed a loaded handgun in February of 2025 during a vehicle stop by police, subsequently fled, disassembled the handgun during his flight and ultimately struck another vehicle before exiting the roadway and throwing parts of the disassembled firearm into a wooded area. At the time of this offense, Nixon was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law because he had been previously convicted of a felony for attempted robbery. 

When he is sentenced by Hon. Brenda K. Sannes on November 24, 2026, Nixon faces a maximum sentence of up to 15 years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of up to three years.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

“As alleged, Nixon knowingly possessed a firearm illegally as a previously convicted felon, and when stopped by police, fled in an attempt to evade arrest and discard the firearm,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone. “This Administration is committed to cracking down on repeat offenders, and with the help of our partners at the Vestal Police Department and ATF, defendants like Nixon should be on notice: repeat violent offenders carrying deadly weapons will be caught and will be prosecuted.”

                                                                              
Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division ATF Bryan DiGirolamo said, “Convicted felons who choose to illegally possess firearms put our communities at risk and will be held accountable. This guilty plea demonstrates the value of the close partnership between ATF, the Vestal Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York. Together, we will continue working to reduce violent crime.”

Vestal Police Department Chief of Police Vince Stavola said, “This incident is a prime example of why we continue to work closely with our federal partners to make sure violent offenders are held accountable. Nixon entered the Town of Vestal and put the lives of our residents, motorists, and police officers at risk without hesitation or regard for the consequences of his actions. That was clear when he illegally carried a firearm into our town, menaced a police officer, and fled from a lawful traffic stop, ultimately striking another motorist. Nixon knew what he was doing was illegal, evident by the fact that he tried to destroy evidence by dismantling and concealing the firearm. Thankfully, our federal partners were able to take action stemming from this incident, now he faces up to 15 years in federal prison.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Vestal Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Grabowski is prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

Note: See the complaint here.

Jessica Bowie, 35, of Albany, New York, made her initial appearance today in federal court on charges of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, ISIS. 

“As alleged, Bowie plotted to deploy an explosive device at the New York State Capitol, intending to kill public officials and to destroy ‘as much of the building as possible’ before fleeing to ISIS‑controlled territory in Syria,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “The National Security Division and our law-enforcement partners are committed to the painstaking work of preventing plots like this from succeeding and securing convictions against those who attempt such plots.”

“The American people represent an undying spirit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — values fundamentally opposed by foreign terrorist organizations such as the one this defendant allegedly pledged her support to,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York. “I am incredibly proud to work side by side with the men and women of the FBI and our law enforcement partners who identified, investigated, and ultimately stopped this defendant before she was able to act on her plot to bring terror to the Capital Region and the United States. My office looks forward to aggressively prosecuting this case and delivering justice for the American people.”

“The FBI detected and stopped an alleged plot to attack the New York State Capitol and kill elected officials,” said Operations Director Matt Fodor of the FBI National Security Branch. “According to the criminal complaint, the defendant in this case swore allegiance to ISIS and wanted to follow up with additional horrific acts of terrorism. This case is yet another example of how this FBI is built to not only identify threats of terrorism quickly, but to stop their alleged plots before they are able to harm the American people. I want to commend the FBI Albany Field Office, the Justice Department, and our law enforcement partners for their outstanding work in this case. Cooperation and partnership are essential to protecting the U.S. homeland.”

On Aug.19, Bowie was apprehended by law enforcement as she gained possession of what she believed to be an explosive device, with the intent of targeting the New York State Capitol and New York State Senators.

Through the course of the investigation and as alleged in the government’s complaint, investigators learned that Bowie had intended to conduct the attack before fleeing to Syria to join others in ISIS-controlled territories. She was observed making several visits to the New York State Capitol grounds and taking several photographs of the building. In describing the New York State Capitol building as her target, Bowie stated: “I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting. I want them to lose a lot of important documents as well” and “I want it to have a affect on the American system. And destroy some of the taghut.” 

According to the complaint, Jessica Bowie has expressed anti-American messages online. On one account identified as belonging to Bowie, she said, “Praise be to Allah for September 11th” and “When I can migrate, I will poison these infidels.” Further, Bowie recorded and disseminated to others online her “Bayah,” or formal oath of allegiance to ISIS. 

The case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the U. S. Secret Service, New York State Police, and Albany Police Department. 

Trial Attorney Ryan D. White of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Belliss and Joseph Hartunian for the Northern District of New York are prosecuting the case. 

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jessica Bowie, 35, of Albany, NY, made her initial appearance today in federal court on charges of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, ISIS.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division John A. Eisenberg; FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office Craig L. Tremaroli; U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office Charles T. Perras; Anthony Patrone Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office, Homeland Security Investigation, New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James; Albany County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Craig Apple and Albany Police Department Chief Brendan Cox made the announcement.

August 19, 2026, Bowie was apprehended by law enforcement as she gained possession of what she believed to be an explosive device, with the intent of targeting the New York State Capitol and New York State Senators.

“The American people embody an enduring spirit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — values fundamentally opposed by foreign terrorist organizations like the one this defendant allegedly pledged her support to,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York. “This arrest will send a strong message to anyone across the country who has been radicalized by our enemies. This administration has deployed the necessary resources for law enforcement to identify, investigate, and disrupt plots of terror well before harm can occur. I am incredibly proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners, who ultimately stopped this defendant before she could act on her plan to bring terror to the Capital Region and the United States. My office looks forward to aggressively prosecuting this case and delivering justice for the American people.”

“As alleged in the criminal complaint, Ms. Bowie swore her allegiance to ISIS and developed a detailed plan to attack the New York State Capitol to kill lawmakers and disrupt our government,” said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albany Field Office. “Make no mistake about it, Ms. Bowie’s alleged plot was serious, it was dangerous, and thanks to FBI Albany’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), it was foiled. Let this investigation send a clear message that FBI Albany, together with our Joint Terrorism Task Force partners, will relentlessly investigate and arrest anyone supporting and conspiring with terrorists.”

Through the course of the investigation and as alleged in the government’s complaint, investigators learned that Bowie had intended to conduct an attack on the New York State Capitol building then flee to join others in ISIS-controlled territories.  She was observed making several visits to the New York State Capitol grounds and taking several photographs of the building. In describing the New York State capitol building as her target, Bowie stated: “I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting. I want them to lose a lot of important documents as well” and “I want it to have a affect on the American system. And destroy some of the taghut.” 

According to the complaint, Jessica Bowie has expressed anti-American messages online. On one account identified as belonging to Bowie, she said, “Praise be to Allah for September 11th” and “When I can migrate, I will poison these infidels.” Further, Bowie recorded and disseminated to others online her “Bayah,” or formal oath of allegiance to ISIS. 

Bowie appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart on August 20, 2026, and was detained pending further proceedings.  The charge carries a statutory maximum prison term of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000 and a lifetime of supervised release. The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the U. S. Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, New York State Police, Albany County Sheriff’s Office and Albany Police Department. 

Trial Attorney Ryan White of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Belliss and Joseph Hartunian for the Northern District of New York are prosecuting the case. 

ALBANY, NEW YORK – M Squared Staffing LLC, the former operator of the Vestal Coal House in Vestal, New York, and its owner, Mark Mushalla, will pay $130,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by falsely certifying that the restaurant was eligible to receive funding from the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF).

“The Restaurant Revitalization Fund was created to support certain small businesses facing the economic hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “By falsely certifying that a permanently closed restaurant was eligible for funding, Mark Mushalla caused his company to obtain funds for which it was not eligible and undermined the integrity of this critical relief program. Our office remains committed to enforcing the False Claims Act and holding accountable those who misrepresent their eligibility for federal funding.”

Congress enacted the American Rescue Plan Act in March 2021, as a continuation of the federal government’s efforts to provide relief to American individuals and businesses suffering the economic and public health effects of the pandemic. The Act allocated $28.6 billion to the RRF, which allowed the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) to award grants to qualifying restaurants and other eligible entities based on pandemic-related revenue losses. Businesses that were permanently closed were not eligible for RRF funding.

M Squared operated a café and events center at the Vestal Coal House, located at 204 Stage Road in Vestal, New York, pursuant to a license agreement with the Town of Vestal. The license agreement expired on December 31, 2020. After the license agreement expired, M Squared vacated the Coal House location and removed the restaurant equipment from the premises.

As part of the settlement agreement, M Squared and Mushalla admitted that the Vestal Coal House had permanently closed before M Squared applied for RRF funding. On May 4, 2021, M Squared applied to SBA for an RRF grant on behalf of the business identified in the application as “M Squared Staffing LLC, doing business as Vestal Coal House.” Mushalla completed and signed the application on behalf of M Squared.

The application specifically asked whether the applicant’s business was permanently closed and instructed applicants to answer “No” only if the business was temporarily closed or actively working on opening. M Squared, through Mushalla, falsely answered “No.” Although M Squared remained a legal entity, the Vestal Coal House had permanently ceased operations and was not eligible to receive an RRF grant.

Based on the admitted facts, the United States contends that M Squared and Mushalla knowingly caused false claims to be made to SBA and knowingly made false statements material to false claims paid by SBA by falsely certifying that the applicant business had not permanently closed and was eligible to receive an RRF grant.

This matter arose from a qui tam complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York. The False Claims Act allows private individuals to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in any recovery. Under the settlement agreement, the relator will receive $13,000. The settlement is captioned United States ex rel. Howitt v. M Squared, et al., No. 5:24-cv-0262 (N.D.N.Y.).

The investigation and resolution of this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, SBA Office of Inspector General, and SBA Office of General Counsel. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam J. Katz and Christopher R. Moran.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Igor Vieira-Bastos, 30, of Brazil, pled guilty Wednesday, July 29, to one count of transporting aliens.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Richard J. Fortunato, Acting Chief Patrol Agent, U.S. Border Patrol made the announcement.

On March 22, 2026, United States Border Patrol detected two individuals crossing the United States-Canada border near Chateaugay, New York.  The two individuals were observed entering a vehicle that was waiting for them.  The vehicle was stopped moments later, and Vieira-Bastos was identified as the driver, the two back seat passengers matched the descriptions of the individuals that were observed crossing the border.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “This administration’s commitment to securing our borders is evident in the relentless work carried out every day by U.S. Border Patrol agents. Thanks to their efforts, this defendant was stopped in his tracks as he attempted to smuggle two aliens into the country—while being unlawfully present himself. As a result of his actions, he will now serve a term of imprisonment before facing deportation.”

Swanton Sector’s Acting Chief Patrol Agent Richard J. Fortunato said, “I commend the agents of Swanton Sector for their hard work in contributing to the successful prosecution of those who commit crimes along our nation’s borders. Our efforts help protect and improve the quality of life for border communities and for those in the interior of our country.”

United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino sentenced Vieira-Bastos to four months’ imprisonment.  Following his sentence, Vieira-Bastos is subject to deportation.

United States Border Patrol investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Whalen prosecuted the case.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Faraon Chavez-Rosas, 25, of Mexico, pled guilty Tuesday, July 28, to one count of transporting aliens.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Richard J. Fortunato, Acting Chief Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, made the announcement.

On May 24, 2026, United States Border Patrol detected three individuals crossing the United States-Canada border near Churubusco, New York.  A vehicle was observed entering the area of the crossing and leaving moments later.  The vehicle was subsequently stopped, and Chavez-Rosas was identified as the driver, along with three passengers.  Upon stopping the vehicle, agents determined that the three individuals and the defendant had no legal right to be in the United States.  After questioning, Chavez-Rosas admitted that he was asked and then drove to pick up his brother and two individuals at the border.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “Our northern border remains a central focus of this administration’s efforts to combat illegal immigration. This defendant’s attempt to smuggle three individuals into the United States was stopped thanks to the vigilance and quick action of U.S. Border Patrol agents. I commend their decisive work in identifying and investigating this vehicle, ultimately disrupting an attempted alien‑smuggling operation.”

Swanton Sector’s Acting Chief Patrol Agent Richard J. Fortunato said, “I commend the agents of Swanton Sector for their hard work in contributing to the successful prosecution of those who commit crimes along our nation’s borders. Our efforts help protect and improve the quality of life for border communities and for those in the interior of our country.”

United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino sentenced Chavez-Rosas to two months’ imprisonment.  Following his sentence, Chavez-Rosas is subject to deportation.

United States Border Patrol investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Whalen prosecuted the case.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Luis Armando Tamaquiza Bastidas, 43, of Ecuador, pled guilty Tuesday, July 28, to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Richard J. Fortunato, Acting Chief Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, made the announcement.

Tamaquiza Bastidas had been arrested two previous times for entering the United States illegally.  Most recently, in October 2025, he was arrested in Texas and was subsequently deported later that year.  

On May 24, 2026, Tamaquiza Bastidas was arrested after crossing the United States-Canada border near Churubusco, New York.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “The failures of the previous administration’s border and immigration policies created openings that allowed illegal aliens to enter our nation by the millions. This defendant exploited those gaps and has already been deported twice. On his third attempt to illegally enter the United States, he was stopped thanks to President Trump’s strong policies and the men and women at U.S. Border Patrol. He will now serve a federal prison sentence and, once completed, will again be deported.”

Acting Chief Patrol Agent Richard J. Fortunato said, “I commend the agents of Swanton Sector for their hard work in contributing to the successful prosecution of those who commit crimes along our nation’s borders. Our efforts help protect and improve the quality of life for border communities and for those in the interior of our country.”

United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino sentenced Tamaquiza Bastidas to two months’ imprisonment.  Following his sentence, Tamaquiza Bastidas is subject to deportation.

United States Border Patrol investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Whalen prosecuted the case.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Emmerson Versain Velasquez-Hernandez, age 25, of Guatemala, pled guilty on Tuesday, July 21, to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Acting Chief Patrol Agent Richard J. Fortunato of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector made the announcement.  

Velasquez-Hernandez was previously arrested in 2024 for entering the country illegally and was subsequently deported.  On May 4, 2026, he was found in the country following a traffic stop in Franklin County. Velasquez-Hernandez had not sought or received permission from the Attorney General or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reapply for admission into the United States.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone said, “Illegal aliens who enter the United States unlawfully pose a real and immediate risk when their identities and intentions are unknown. This defendant had previously been removed for illegal entry and again chose to violate U.S. law by reentering the country. Thanks to the efforts of our partners at the U.S. Border Patrol, this individual will be returned to Guatemala.”

Swanton Sector’s Acting Chief Patrol Agent Richard J. Fortunato said, “I commend the agents of Swanton Sector for their hard work in contributing to the successful prosecution of those who commit crimes along our nation’s borders. Our efforts help protect and improve the quality of life for border communities and for those in the interior of our country.”

District Court Judge Elizabeth C. Coombe sentenced Velasquez-Hernandez to time served based on the two and a half months he has spent imprisoned on the charge since his arrest.  Following his sentence, Velasquez-Hernandez is subject to deportation.  

U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Cheung prosecuted the case.